Crotalaria goreensis
Guill. & Perr.
Gambia pea
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(c) Russell Cumming, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Russell Cumming
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Deborah E Barber, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A herb or small shrub. It has a woody taproot and grows 1.7 -2.6 m tall. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are 2.5-8.5 cm long by 0.8-2.5 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and turn reddish. The pod is 1.5-2 cm long by 0.7-0.9 cm wide. The seeds are orange and 2.5-4 mm long.
Traditional Uses
Caution: It probably should not be eaten in large amounts.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
No specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, but many members of this genus are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the most potent of which in this genus are monocrotaline, retrorsine and retronecine. These alkaloids have a cumulative effect upon the body and, unless concentrations in a plant are high, occasional consumption is generally completely safe. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are derived from amino acids including ornithine. Many of these alkaloids have pronounced hepatic toxicity, but the lungs and other organs may be affected as well. Mutagenic and carcinogenic activities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids have also been reported.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate to tropical plant. In Africa it grows between 600-1,200 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Angola, Australia, Central Africa, Congo DR, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mozambique, Senegal, Sudan, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in dry to moist, well-drained soils. The plant readily invades disturbed areas and prevents the regeneration of native species. Seed is dispersed in contaminated pasture seed and fodder, as well as by machinery, vehicles and water. The plant is an invasive weed in Australia. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed - sow in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water can help to reduce germination time.
Other Uses
The plant is used as green manure for tobacco and sugar cane in Australia (Queensland). It has performed well in New Guinea.
Synonyms
References (1)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
