Lanceleaf rattlebox (Crotalaria lanceolata, Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 24 (1836))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: E.Mey.

Bibliography: Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 24 (1836)

Year: 1836

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crotalaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Ethiopia to S. Africa, Madagascar

Description

Lanceleaf rattlebox, known scientifically as Crotalaria lanceolata, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. This plant was first documented in “Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.” in 1836 by the botanist E. Meyer, also known as E.Mey.

Crotalaria lanceolata is indigenous to a broad stretch of the African continent, with its range extending from Ethiopia in the northeastern part of the continent to South Africa in the southern regions. Beyond the African mainland, it is also found in Madagascar, indicating its adaptability to various African climates and environments.

As part of the Fabaceae family, Lanceleaf rattlebox shares characteristics typical of legumes, which often include the ability to fix nitrogen and thereby enrich soil quality. This plant, like its relatives, is an invaluable component of its ecosystem, contributing to soil health, which in turn supports other plant and animal life.

The term “rattlebox” in its common name likely refers to the characteristic sound of its seeds rattling within their pods when shaken, a common trait within the Crotalaria genus. The “lanceleaf” descriptor points to the distinct shape of its foliage, which resembles the pointed head of a lance.

Given its extensive presence across diverse ecological zones, Crotalaria lanceolata is of interest not only to botanists but also to ecologists and conservationists. Its role in natural habitats and potential applications in sustainable agriculture make it a noteworthy subject for continued study and preservation efforts.

Common Names

Eng: lanceleaf rattlebox, lance crotalaria, lance-leaf crotalaria
Por: chocalho, xique-xique
Fra: crotalaire lancéolée
Ita: crotalaria lanceolata
En: Lanceleaf rattlebox, Lance crotalaria, Lance-leaf crotalaria
Fr: Crotalaire lancéolée
It: Crotalaria lanceolata
Pt: Chocalho, Xique-xique

Synonyms

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 22, 2022 by Rene Bueno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by Travis Brumble (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by scottyp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Dourado Marcola João Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Vasconcelos Paulo Marcelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by scottyp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by shantel zrinski (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Rene Bueno (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Rene Bueno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2022 by Jardim Mundo (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2941820)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322602-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth