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Description
Crotalaria is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. The genus comprises about 700 species, which are mostly found in the tropics and subtropics. Some species are also found in temperate regions. Crotalaria plants are known for their showy, yellow or orange flowers, which bloom in racemes or spikes. They are mostly annual or perennial herbs, but some species are woody shrubs or trees. The plants have simple or compound leaves, and some species have hairy stems and leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Crotalaria |
Appearance
Crotalaria plants vary in size and appearance, depending on the species. Some species are small and herbaceous, while others are tall and woody. The leaves are generally green, and can be simple or compound. The flowers are usually yellow or orange, and are borne in racemes or spikes. The fruit is a pod, which splits open when mature to release the seeds. Some species have hairy stems and leaves, while others are smooth.
Care Guide
Crotalaria plants are easy to care for, and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Crotalaria plants:Water: Crotalaria plants prefer well-drained soil, and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. However, they do not like to be overwatered, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Crotalaria plants do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season.Soil: Crotalaria plants prefer well-drained soil, and will not tolerate heavy, clay soils. A sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: Crotalaria plants prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Crotalaria plants are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crotalaria plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered, and spider mites if grown in hot, dry conditions. To prevent these problems, be sure to water your plants properly, and provide adequate air circulation.
Habitat
Crotalaria plants are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, forests, and wetlands. They are native to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, but have been introduced to other parts of the world. Some species are grown as ornamentals, while others are used for their fiber, fodder, or medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Crotalaria plants be grown as indoor plants?
A: Yes, Crotalaria plants can be grown indoors, provided they are given plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.Q: Do Crotalaria plants have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, some species of Crotalaria are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as rheumatism, fever, and respiratory infections.Q: Are Crotalaria plants toxic to humans or animals?
A: Yes, some species of Crotalaria contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.Q: How long do Crotalaria plants live?
A: Crotalaria plants can live for several years if grown in the right conditions and given proper care.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Fabaceae family:
- Lupinus
- Medicago
- Phaseolus
- Pisum
- Vicia
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Crotalaria. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/36130
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Crotalaria. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c214
- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Crotalaria. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/crotalaria
