Common Name: Birdflower Rattlepod

General Information

Crotalaria cunninghamii is a shrub growing 1 - 2 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre. The fibre is of high quality and has potential for commercial production[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its large, coloured flowers[].
There are no major threats known to this species, however, the area where this species occurs is threatened by habitat degradation. The plant 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

Range

Australia - Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria

Habitat

Sandy soils in shrubland, grassland or savannah woodland; usually on desert dunes, sandplains and drainage lines[]. Usually in mulga communities or on unstable sand dunes in New South Wales[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Crotalaria cunninghamii is a plant of arid and semi-arid regions of Australia from the warm temperate zone to the tropics.
Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil, growing in the wild on sandy soils[, ].
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 sap from the leaves is used traditionally to treat swellings on the body and as an eyewash to treat eye infections[, ].

Other Uses

The stems are a source of fibre. This was used traditionally by the Aboriginal Australians for cords and for making sandals to protect them from the hot desert sand[].
The fibre is similar in quality to that obtained from Crotalaria juncea[], which is a valuable, high quality, strong fibre that is grown on a commercial basis and used to make twine and cord; canvas and fishing nets; and paper and pulp[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and benefits 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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