Crotalaria spectabilis – Rattlebox, Showy Crotalaria, Showy Rattlebox

Description

An annual or short-lived perennial shrub with a stiffly upright habit, small leaves and terminal, erect racemes with masses of yellow flowers. Crotalaria spectabilis is originally native to southern and eastern Asia. It is widely planted in the tropics as a cover crop and green manure as it has the ability to fix nitrogen into the soil from the air. It is also effective against root nematodes but is toxic to livestock. The flowers are eaten as a vegetable after cooking.