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slender leaf rattlebox

Scientific Name: Crotalaria ochroleuca

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Crotalaria ochroleuca: Slender Leaf Rattlebox

Crotalaria ochroleuca, commonly known as Slender Leaf Rattlebox, is an annual herb belonging to the Fabaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the plant has seed pods that rattle when dry. These pods may be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that the plant has seed pods that rattle when dry. These pods may be attractive to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don
  • Common Names: Slender Leaf Rattlebox, Slenderleaf, Rattlepod, Rattle Pea, Ethiopian Rattlebox, Marejea
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
  • Genus: Crotalaria L. (Rattlebox)
  • Synonyms: Crotalaria intermedia Kotschy (1865)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Originally from tropical Africa.
  • Adapted to semi-arid and arid conditions, experiencing water deficit.

Ecological Role

  • Listed as a minor problem species in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Leaves: 3-foliolate leaflets, linear to linear-lanceolate with appressed hairs on the under surface. Leaflets are very narrow, ranging from 2-10 cm long and 0.3-1.5 cm wide.
  • Stems: Erect or ascending, slender, simple or busy-branched above. Twigs are green for an extended period.
  • Inflorescences: Raceme, 1-4-flowered, 0.4 to 1.6 inch long, in leaf. Flowers are usually in terminal racemes.
  • Seeds: Reniform, with or without an aril, usually smooth, with slender funicles.
  • Has long slender bean pods that rattle when dry.

Uses

  • The leaves and broad pods have a mild taste and are sometimes eaten, often with cowpeas or pumpkin leaves.
  • Used as feed.
  • Can be used in regenerating longleaf pine communities.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant is called "rattlebox" because the seeds inside the dried pods create a rattling sound when shaken.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Crotalaria ochroleuca.
  • Garden Guides: Offers plant information, identification details, uses, and gardening advice on Crotalaria ochroleuca (Ochroleuca).