Common Name: Caracas Rattlebox

General Information

Crotalaria micans is an erect perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody. It can grow up to 4 metres tall with terminal inflorescences on which large flowers are grouped tightly with prominent, long curled bracts and bracteoles[].
The plant is sometimes grown as a medicinal plant in gardens in S. America. It is widely grown as an ornamental, and is also cultivated as a green manure crop[]. It has been introduced into many tropical countries, including those in Malesia and Africa where it is locally naturalized[].
Crotalaria micans has a large geographical distribution and is known to occur in a number of protected areas throughout its range. The taxon is not considered to be threatened and is reported as a weed and an invasive species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

Known Hazards

This species is reported to be highly palatable and non-toxic to cattle[].
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

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean

Habitat

Savannahs, steep banks, hillsides, barrancas, frequently in grassland in openings of oak forest and occassionally in oak-pine forest; at elevations from 800 - 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in the tropics and subtropics at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,600 metres, but grows best at lower elevations[, ].
Tolerates a wide range of climatic and soil conditions It is well suited to damp places[]. It grows in lowland areas generally and requires a position in full sunlight[].
Introduced in the past as an agriculture cover crop or as an ornamental, the plant can escape from cultivation and naturalize. It becomes weedy, growing along roadsides and other disturbed areas, sometimes in dense stands[].
Seed production is poor at high elevations[].
Early growth of the plant is fast - it can cover the soil in 3 weeks after germination and reach 2.5 metres after 3 months[].
Seeds mature 7 months after sowing in Indonesia[]. Plants reseed themselves once established[].
The plant can be cut repeatedly, provided it is not cut too low and a few leaves per stem are left[].
Yields of 40 tonnes per hectare of fresh material, 4 months after planting, have been reported from Java - this contains about 150 kg nitrogen[].
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 plant is used medicinally[]. No more information is given.

Agroforestry Uses:

Caracas rattlebox is grown as a green manure and cover crop in plantations of coffee, tea, tobacco and rice[]. It is easily incorporated into the soil and decomposition is rapid[].
The plant can be grown for erosion control[].

Other Uses

The crushed seeds are used to remove stains from clothes[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ. When broadcast, a seed rate of 20-35 kg/ha is used; 6-12 kg/ha is adequate for sowing rows 0.9-1.5 m apart.
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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