There seems to be some confusion over the correct authorship of this taxon. In addition to the form we are using, some authorities use D.Don, and some use Buch.-Ham.[].

Common Name:

General Information

Crotalaria alata is an annual to perennial plant with sub-erect stems that can become more or less woody and persist. It can grow up to 1.5 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is sometimes grown as a green manure and a hedge[].

Known Hazards

The plant has been reported as suitable for fodder, but in Queensland it is considered poisonous for cattle[].
Monocrotaline in the seeds may cause death in poultry[].
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

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Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia

Habitat

Usually found near the sea coast on sandy soils, also along rivers on rocky and peaty soils, ascending to 1,500 metres[]. Open grassland, roadsides, streamsides, mixed deciduous forest and hill evergreen forest; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is found in areas with a pronounced monsoonal climate, growing mainly at low elevations, but also ascending to 1,500 metres[].
Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in dry to moist, well-drained soils[]. The plant is tolerant of shade[].
The plant is often found as a weed[].
A deep-rooting plant[].
Plants are tolerant of fire[].
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 juice of the root is used in the treatment of malarial fever[]. It is also useful in the treatment of bed wetting[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A good green manure and cover crop, suitable as a mulch. It has been planted in contour hedges[]. The plant has been used as a ground cover to stabilize and improve the soil[].

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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