Common Name:

General Information

Crotalaria saltiana is a bushy white-hairy short-lived perennial herb growing 30 - 70 cm tall, sometimes with spreading procumbent branches from near the base[].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for the fibre in its stems, which is used locally,

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

Eastern tropical Africa - Tanzania north to Ethiopia.

Habitat

Deciduous bushland, semi-desert scrub, in sandy and rocky places; often where extra water collects, e.g. sandy wadis, tugs, alluvial flats; in maritime sandy situations and in secondary thickets from sea level to elevations of 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of lowland tropical regions, growing in areas where there is a distinct dry season.
Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in dry to moist, well-drained 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

None known

Other Uses

A strong fibre obtained from the bark and stems is used to make nets[, ].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water can help to reduce germination time. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown in situ. Otherwise sow in trays in a nursey and, when the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them up into individual pots. Plant out when 15cm or more tall.

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