Status:
valid
Authors:
Windler
Source:
ildis
Year:
1971
Citation Micro:
Phytologia21: 259 (1971)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000164331
Common Names
- Mexican Rattlebox
- Mexican Rattlepod
- Mexican Rattleweed
Description
Crotalaria mexicana (also called Crotalaria, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub native to Mexico and Central America. It has a thick, woody stem and small, yellow flowers. It is found in tropical and subtropical dry forests, scrublands, and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria mexicana is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a food source for livestock. It has been used as a traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomachache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Crotalaria mexicana are yellow and have five petals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are thin and have a single stem with small leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria mexicana is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed, which should be sown in the spring. The seed should be sown in a shallow furrow and lightly covered with soil. Once the seedlings are established, they should be thinned to about 8-10 inches apart.
Where to Find Crotalaria mexicana
Crotalaria mexicana is native to Mexico and can be found in the tropical and subtropical forests of the country.
Crotalaria mexicana FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria mexicana?
Crotalaria mexicana
What is the common name of Crotalaria mexicana?
Mexican Crotalaria
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria mexicana?
Tropical rainforests of Central and South America
Species in the Crotalaria genus
Crotalaria brevipedunculata,
Crotalaria mexicana,
Crotalaria nayaritensis,
Crotalaria rzedowskii,
Crotalaria filifolia,
Crotalaria grandiflora,
Crotalaria martiana,
Crotalaria polyphylla,
Crotalaria purdieana,
Crotalaria quercetorum,
Crotalaria quinquefolia,
Crotalaria berteroana,
Crotalaria brachycarpa,
Crotalaria breviflora,
Crotalaria bupleurifolia,
Crotalaria flavicoma,
Crotalaria hilariana,
Crotalaria holosericea,
Crotalaria longirostrata,
Crotalaria mollicula,
Crotalaria nana,
Crotalaria nitens,
Crotalaria pilosa,
Crotalaria pumila,
Crotalaria purshii,
Crotalaria rufipila,
Crotalaria sagittalis,
Crotalaria tetragona,
Crotalaria unifoliolata,
Crotalaria velutina,
Crotalaria vespertilio,
Crotalaria bahiaensis,
Crotalaria boliviensis,
Crotalaria goiasensis,
Crotalaria harleyi,
Crotalaria irwinii,
Crotalaria semperflorens,
Crotalaria schiedeana,
Crotalaria grandiflora,
Crotalaria lotifolia,
Crotalaria gloriae,
Crotalaria balansae,
Crotalaria maypurensis,
Crotalaria rotundifolia,
Crotalaria angulata,
Crotalaria allophylla,
Crotalaria intricata,
Crotalaria warfae,
Crotalaria vitellina,
Crotalaria cajanifolia,
Species in the Fabaceae family