Crotalaria sessiliflora

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Crotalaria sessiliflora is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Grassy places in lowland areas of central and southern Japan. Open grassy places at elevations of 200 - 2800 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Pods and seeds - cooked.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Salve. A paste of the plant is applied as a poultice to treat headaches. The plant is used as a detoxifier of toxins such as DDT, arsenic, poisonous mushrooms etc.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. eriantha.