Common Name:

General Information

Crotalaria goreensis is a very variable plant. An erect or rather spreading, annual or short-lived, often bushy perennial, it can grow from 6 - 250cm tall and can be branched or unbranched[, ].
The plant is sometimes grown as a green manure[].

Known Hazards

No specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, but many members of this genus are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the most potent of which in this genus are monocrotaline, retrorsine and retronecine[]. These alkaloids have a cumulative effect upon the body and, unless concentrations in a plant are high, occasional consumption is generally completely safe. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are derived from amino acids including ornithine. Many of these alkaloids have pronounced hepatic toxicity, but the lungs and other organs may be affected as well. Mutagenic and carcinogenic activities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids have also been reported[].

Botanical References

Range

Africa - widely spread from Senegal to Ethiopia, south to Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Habitat

Deciduous woodland, grassland and on disturbed soil, in places where ample moisture is available; at elevations from 600 - 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in dry to moist, well-drained soils[].
The plant readily invades disturbed areas and prevents the regeneration of native species. Seed is dispersed in contaminated pasture seed and fodder, as well as by machinery, vehicles and water[]. The plant is an invasive weed in Australia[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as green manure for tobacco and sugar cane in Australia (Queensland). It has performed well in New Guinea[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water can help to reduce germination time.

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