Family: Fabaceae
Author: Link
Bibliography: Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt. 2: 228 (1822)
Year: 1822
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Crotalaria
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Caracas rattlebox, scientifically known as Crotalaria micans, is a fascinating species of flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Initially described in the early 19th century by the botanist Link, this plant has since captured the interest of botanists and gardeners alike due to its unique characteristics and wide distribution across tropical regions.
Native to regions extending from Mexico to Tropical America, Caracas rattlebox thrives in these warm climates. Its adaptation to various environments within this geographical range showcases its resilience and versatility. The plant is often recognized for its distinctive rattling seed pods, which contribute to its common name. These pods not only serve an aesthetic function but also play a crucial role in seed dispersal.
Crotalaria micans typically features bright, eye-catching flowers that can enhance the beauty of any landscape. The vivid blooms attract pollinators, contributing to the plant’s reproduction and the wider ecosystem it inhabits. Its role in the ecosystem extends beyond mere pollination; like many members of the Fabaceae family, it is likely involved in nitrogen fixation. This symbiotic relationship with root-dwelling bacteria enables it to enrich the soil, thereby supporting other plant life.
The versatility and ecological benefits of Caracas rattlebox make it a species of interest not only for naturalists and ecologists but also for horticulturists looking to incorporate sustainable and visually appealing plants into their gardens. Whether observed in its native habitat or cultivated in a managed garden, Crotalaria micans stands out as a prime example of nature’s ingenuity and beauty.
Common Names
Eng: caracas rattlebox
Por: chocalho-de-cascavel, gergelim-bravo
En: Caracas rattlebox, Pine Kotalelia
Pt: Chocalho-de-cascavel, Gergelim-bravo
Pt-br: Chocalho-de-cascavel, Guizo-de-cascavel, Xique-xique
Synonyms
- Crotalaria dombeyana (DC.)
- Crotalaria anagyroides (Kunth)
- Crotalaria stipulata (Vell.)
- Crotalaria brachystachya (Benth.)
- Crotalaria triphylla (Vell.)
- Crotalaria anagyroides var. minor (Micheli)
- Crotalaria anagyroides var. angustifolia (Micheli)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Assam (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Bismarck Archipelago (introduced)
- Borneo (introduced)
- Cambodia (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
- Madagascar (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- Niue (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Sumatera (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 4, 2021 by Emili Jimenez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Enrique Zelaya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Olman Alvarado (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by León Mony (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Thokchom Bikash (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 22, 2022 by Abhimanyu singh (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2021 by Maria Laura Pizarro (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2021 by Maria Laura Pizarro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by León Mony (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Pérez Osorio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2021 by Isa Mollet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Enrique Zelaya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Haruna Aliyu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Enthu Gardner (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2941831)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322606-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crotalaria micans Link)