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African rattlebox

Scientific Name: Crotalaria saltiana

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

African Rattlebox (Crotalaria saltiana)

The African Rattlebox, scientifically known as Crotalaria saltiana, is a plant species with a variety of interesting characteristics and a broad distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is part of the Crotalaria genus, many of which are referred to as "rattlepods" or "rattleboxes" because their seeds rattle within the dried pods.
  • The text mentions this plant being "medicinal and poisonous".

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is part of the Crotalaria genus, many of which are referred to as "rattlepods" or "rattleboxes" because their seeds rattle within the dried pods.
  • The text mentions this plant being "medicinal and poisonous".

Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Crotalaria saltiana
  • Common Names: African Rattlebox, Rattlepod

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Fabaceae (mentioned as Genera of Fabaceae)
  • Scientific Name: Crotalaria saltiana Andrews
  • Symbol: CRSA8

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in Africa, where the majority of Crotalaria species are native to the tropics and subtropics. Approximately 400 Crotalaria species are found on the continent.
  • Also found in South Africa, including Transvaal, Natal, and the eastern Cape Province.
  • Smooth Rattlebox (Crotalaria pallida) is an import from Africa.

Ecological Role

  • In some regions, such as South Africa, certain Crotalaria species are considered serious weeds.
  • Brazilian rattlebox (Sesbania punicea) shows invasive behavior in North America and in Africa.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Grown as a shrub and is a perennial.
  • It requires full sunlight.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "rattlebox" comes from the fact that seeds rattle inside the dried seed pods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Leaf spot was found to affect African Rattlebox.
  • Subject to root rot and wilt diseases.

Further Information

  • The Plant List
  • ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
  • BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
  • WikiSpecies