Streaked Rattlepod
Crotalaria pallida
When the seed pods dry out, the loose seeds inside rattle rhythmically in the wind, inspiring its genus name Crotalaria, from the Greek word for 'castanet'.
- Scientific name
- Crotalaria pallida
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Fabales › Fabaceae › Crotalaria
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Disturbed grasslands, roadsides, fallow fields, and sandy riverbanks.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation)
- Range
- Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Australia
- Size
- Erect herb growing up to 1.5 to 2 meters tall
- Lifespan
- 1 to 3 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Herbicides, intensive agriculture, and land development.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to touch, but highly defensive if consumed. The plant contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage to humans and livestock. Safe to observe and touch at any distance. If ingested, seek medical or veterinary assistance immediately.
Crotalaria pallida (syn. Crotalaria mucronata Desc, Crotalaria striata DC, Crotalaria falcata VAHL ex DC, Crotalaria brownei DC., Crotalaria fertilis Delile, Crotalaria hookeri Arn., Crotalaria pisiformis Guill. & Perr., Crotalaria siamica F.N.Williams, Crotalaria striata var. acutifolia Trin., Crotalaria tinctoria Baill, Crotalaria zuccarininana D.Dietr.), commonly known as the chique chique , gergellim bravo , giant striata , guizo-de-cascavel , maraca-de-cobra , rattleweed , rattlebox , smooth crotalaria , or the streaked rattlepod , is a species of flowering plant within the family Fabaceae.
Photo: Bob Peterson, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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