Common Name: Rattlepod

General Information

Crotalaria laburnifolia is a very variable, evergreen shrub growing from 60 - 200cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is sometimes grown in gardens as a medicinal plant, has been used as a green manure and is sometimes planted as an ornamental[, ].

Known Hazards

Pyrolizidine alkaloids, such as anacrotine and madurensine, have been extracted from the seeds in South Africa, the former being antispasmodic and possibly hepatotoxic[].
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[].
The seed also contains flavanone glycosides[].

Botanical References

Range

Originally native to eastern and southern Africa, often naturalized in tropical Asia and Australia.

Habitat

Deciduous woodland, grassland, along roadsides and in fields, at elevations up to 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Succeeds in most well-drained soils, preferring moist but tolerating fairly dry conditions[].
Light pruning can maintain a good shape for ornamental use and also enhance flowering[].
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

An infusion of the whole plant is used as a gargle to treat sore throats and mouth inflammations[].

Medicines prepared from the seed have a blood-purifying effect and are used to treat sore throats, skin diseases and as an emmenagogue[].

Pyrolizidine alkaloids such as anacrotine and madurensine have been extracted from the seeds in South Africa, the former being antispasmodic and possibly hepatotoxic[]. The seed also contains flavanone glycosides[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A green manure crop used in plantations, especially of tea and coffee[]. It has good leaf production, but it suffers from pests and soon becomes woody - it is probably no longer used[].

Other Uses

A hemp-like fibre is obtained from the stem[].

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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