Crotalaria retusa

(Wedge-leaf Rattlepod)

FAMILY

Fabaceae

Species

Crotalaria retusa

Common name

Wedge-leaf Rattlepod (a weed)

Flower colour; life form

Flowers yellow; erect subshrub to 1.3 m tall

Distinguishing features

Stems erect, slightly ridged, pubescent; leaves alternate, simple, oblanceolate to 9 cm long and 1-4 cm wide, lower surface shortly pubescent. Flowers in a terminal raceme, pea-shaped, yellow with fine purple lines near the base. Pods inflated, dark brown to black at maturity, 3-4 cm long; seeds tan to black.

Image of Crotalaria retusa