Low rattlebox (Crotalaria pumila, Nov. Pl. Descr. Dec.: 23 (1797))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Ortega

Bibliography: Nov. Pl. Descr. Dec.: 23 (1797)

Year: 1797

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crotalaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. U.S.A to Trop. America

Description

The Low Rattlebox, scientifically known as Crotalaria pumila, is a noteworthy species within the Fabaceae family. First introduced to the botanical world in 1797 through the work of Ortega, the Low Rattlebox has since garnered interest for both its ecological significance and low-maintenance growing requirements.

Crotalaria pumila is predominantly observed in the southern regions of the United States, extending its presence into tropical areas of the Americas. This wide distribution underscores its adaptability to various climates and environmental conditions. One can often spot this plant thriving in a range of habitats, from open fields to more shaded underbrush.

As a member of the legume family, the Low Rattlebox plays an integral role in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil it inhabits. This characteristic not only supports the plant’s growth but also benefits surrounding vegetation by improving the overall fertility of the environment.

The plant typically displays small, vibrant flowers that add a splash of color to its surroundings. These blossoms are known to attract a variety of pollinators, thereby contributing to the biodiversity of the area. The name “rattlebox” itself is derived from the sound produced by the seeds within the pods, which rattle when shaken—a unique feature that also aids in seed dispersal.

In summary, Crotalaria pumila is more than just a plant; it is an essential component of its ecosystem, supporting soil health and native wildlife. Its presence from southern North America to tropical regions of the continent highlights its resilience and ecological value.

Common Names

Eng: low rattlebox
En: Low rattlebox

Synonyms

• Crotalaria havanensis (Guss.)
• Crotalaria pumila var. obcordata (Griseb.)
• Crotalaria lupulina (Kunth)
• Crotalaria littoralis (DC.)
• Crotalaria elliptica var. multiflora (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Crotalaria tepicana (Hook. & Arn.)
• Crotalaria galeottii (Benth.)
• Crotalaria puberula (Hook.f.)
• Crotalaria grahamii (Sweet)
• Crotalaria chiapensis (Brandegee)
• Iocaulon pumila (Raf.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Peru (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 8, 2020 by Lotti Roberta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by ngrhm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Narrelle Robertson (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Luis Oscar Herrera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by olivia frassanito (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Juan Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by EOL − José Belem Hernández Díaz (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Luis Oscar Herrera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 6, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 9, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2014 by EOL − Angel Fernando Valentinez Villaseca (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2014 by EOL − Angel Fernando Valentinez Villaseca (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by EOL − José Belem Hernández Díaz (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/2942415)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:488735-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crotalaria pumila Ortega)

Specifications

Growth