Common Name:

General Information

Crotalaria verrucosa is an erect or spreading, much-branched, annual, sub-woody plant growing 50 - 100cm tall[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as a green manure and is a potential ornamental[].

Known Hazards

The seed has caused liver damage to test animals[].
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

E. Asia - southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines New Guinea

Habitat

Fallow fields and on marshy ground, along rivers and roads; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[]. Grassland and sparse forests[]. Field edges and open places in dry evergreen and deciduous forests with bamboo, at elevations to 1,300 metres[]

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.75 m
Pollinators	Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in dry to moist, well-drained soils[]. Plants can tolerate saline soils[].
The plant is a common weed throughout the tropics[, ].
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

The roots are used as a treatment against fever and stomach pains[].

The plant (part not specified) is blood purifier, emmenagogue. It is used to purify the blood and to cure skin diseases[].

The plant produces a neutral seed-gum polysaccharide and the flowers produce kaempferol[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown as a green manure[, ].

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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