Common Name:

General Information

Crotalaria assamica is an erect shrub that can grow 150 - 300cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as a green manure crop.
This species is numerous and widespread; it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

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Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines

Habitat

Moist habitats ranging from riverine scrub and grassland to evergreen forest on high mountains, disturbed habitats such as roadside verges and abandoned fields, on a range of soils - volcanic, clay and ultra-basic; at elevations to 3,300 metres[, ]

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally thrive in a wide range of well-drained soils and a sunny position[].
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

A root extract is used to treat bladder stones[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a green manure to enrich the soil[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - stored seed has a hard seedcoat and can benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination[]. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Cuttings

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