Narrow leaf Rattlepod
Crotalaria linifolia

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 20-60 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. It has a thick taproot. The branches have long hairs. The leaves are 2-5 cm long by 0.5-1 cm wide. The flower clusters are loose and at the ends of branches. The flowers are 1 cm long and yellow. The fruit is a pod 1 cm long.

There are about 550 Crotalaria species. They are mostly tropical.

Where it is found

It suits tropical areas. It grows from coastal to inland regions. In southern China it grows in sandy areas along sea shores and between 400-2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Indian, Japan, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The young shoots are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Pike-san-gyi

Synonyms

Probably Crotalaria montana; or Crotalaria tecta Roth.;