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Description
Crotalaria Calycina, commonly known as the “Hairy Rattlebox,” is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Africa and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. The plant has a striking appearance, with yellow flowers and hairy leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Crotalaria |
Appearance
Crotalaria Calycina is a medium-sized plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and are arranged in clusters. The leaves are narrow and hairy, with a silvery-grey color on the underside. The stem is also hairy and can be green or reddish in color. The plant produces long, thin seed pods that rattle when shaken, hence the common name “Hairy Rattlebox.”
Care Guide
Crotalaria Calycina is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.Sunlight: Crotalaria Calycina prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crotalaria Calycina is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Crotalaria Calycina is native to Africa and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Crotalaria Calycina toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to pets if ingested.Q: Can I grow Crotalaria Calycina indoors?
A: No, the plant needs full sun and is not suitable for indoor growing.Q: How often should I fertilize Crotalaria Calycina?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Q: Is Crotalaria Calycina invasive?
A: No, the plant is not considered invasive.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Crotalaria genus include:
- Crotalaria juncea
- Crotalaria pallida
- Crotalaria retusa
- Crotalaria sagittalis
References
- “Crotalaria calycina – PlantZAfrica.com.” SANBI, 2017, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/crotacalycina.htm.
- “Crotalaria calycina.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 June 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalaria_calycina.
