Crotalaria polysperma

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An annual herb or shrub. It can grow to 1.2 m high. It is erect with many branches. These are covered with hairs. The leaves are compound with 3 leaflets. The leaflets are 3-7 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and pointed. The flowers are in loose groups or 12-20 flowers. The flowers are blue. The fruit is a pod 4-5 cm long. The seeds are 3.5 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow up to 1,050 m above sea level. It grows in grassland. It is common along the Zambezi River valley.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Caginde, Majaghwa, Tekera

Synonyms

Crotalaria grantii Baker; Crotalaria macrocarpa Penzig; Crotalaria stewartii Baker; Crotalaria winkleri Baker f.;