Small-fruit rattle pod
Crotalaria microcarpa
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A herb or small shrub. It can grow for one year or a few years. It grows 70 cm high. It has a woody base.
There are about 550 Crotalaria species. They are mostly tropical.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in sandy soils. It grows between sea level and 1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sahel, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten as a green vegetable.
It is highly palatable.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Biranar zomo, Eni-horo, Kher, Motshibi