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Crotalaria eremaea

Scientific Name: Crotalaria eremaea

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Crotalaria eremaea: The Desert Rattlepod

Crotalaria eremaea, commonly known as the Bluebush Pea or Desert Rattlepod, is a captivating plant native to the Australian outback. Its bright yellow pea flowers and interesting seed pods make it a notable species.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces seed pods that make a rattling sound when dry, which might attract the attention of pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crotalaria eremaea F. Muell.
  • Common Names: Bluebush Pea, Desert Rattlepod, Rattlepod
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family), Subfamily Faboideae
  • Kingdom: PLANTAE
  • Synonyms: Crotalaria strehlowii E.Pritz.
  • Subspecies: Crotalaria eremaea subsp. eremaea, Crotalaria eremaea subsp. strehlowii
  • Taxonomic Authority: F.Muell.
  • Symbol: CRER6
  • Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

  • Crotalaria eremaea is endemic to Australia.
  • It is found in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
  • It is prevalent in central Australia.
  • This species commonly grows on sand dunes and prefers sandy soils.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Crotalaria eremaea is an erect perennial herb or bushy shrub.
  • It can grow up to 2 meters (approximately 6.5 feet) in height.
  • It typically reaches about 1 meter (40 inches) in both height and spread.
  • The plant is described as glabrous (smooth) to pubescent (hairy).
  • The leaves are 1&#82113-foliolate (having one to three leaflets).
  • Leaflets are mostly oblong.
  • Erect stems are branched and may be hairy.
  • Leaves are oval and blunt.
  • It features masses of bright yellow pea flowers in spring.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Crotalaria comes from the Greek word "crotalon," which means a rattle or castanet. This refers to the sound the dried seed pods make when shaken.
  • The species name eremaea is derived from the Greek language.
  • Olive Pink painted Crotalaria eremaea at Edward's Creek on August 13th, 1930.

Additional Information

  • This species is considered native to Western Australia and is currently not threatened.
  • It prefers a sunny position and is frost-tolerant.
  • Fire responses of Crotalaria eremaea are documented in the Tropical Savannas Fire Response Database.

Further Resources

  • PlantNET: http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&amplvl=sp&ampname=Crotalaria~eremaea
  • Discover Life: Information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Crotalaria eremaea.
  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)
  • Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden