Crotalaria karagwensis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An erect annual herb. It grows 1 m tall. There are hairs on the stems. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf blade is narrow and 2-11 cm long by 2-12 mm wide. There are 10-24 flowers in a group at the top of the plant. These are yellow with red veins. The fruit is an oblong club shaped pod. It is 2.5 cm long by 3.5 cm wide and narrows to the base. There are 15-34 seeds. These are small and heart shaped. They are 2-4 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 1,100-2,300 m altitude in grassland and woodland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, West Africa

How it is used for food

Caution: Many Crotalaria contains toxins. The seeds are eaten in Kenya. They are presumably cooked.

Edible parts

Caution, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Crotalaria lugardiorum Bullock;