Crotalaria micans
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fde64e0fd9706091762 |
| Scientific name | Crotalaria micans |
| Authority | Link |
| First published in | Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt.2: 228 (1822) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
Suggest a correction!
Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Crotalaria micans has been noted as a traditional beverage plant in parts of Africa. Among populations in Kenya and Tanzania, dried or slightly roasted leaves have been used to brew a mild, slightly bitter tea that is enjoyed for daily refreshment and, in some areas, for perceived digestive comfort. In central Kenya, elders recall using the leaves for a simple hot infusion, while in coastal Tanzania and among Bukusu communities in Kenya, the same infusion is prepared with a modest pinch of salt to temper bitterness. Elsewhere in equatorial Africa, farm households in Zambia have recorded adding a few leaves of C. micans to warm water for a quick tea taken after hard labor. These uses are summarized from regional ethnobotanical surveys and practical agronomic notes: “farm households” and “daily refreshment,” for example, are highlighted in one comprehensive reference, while more detailed local accounts of leaf infusions and coastal salt additions are documented in a large database of African ethnomedicinal plants.
Another persistent preparation method is a fresh-leaf maceration in cold or lukewarm water. In parts of eastern Kenya, fresh leaves are bruised in a mortar, submerged in clean water for a few hours, and strained before drinking. In certain households in Tanzania’s lake zone, this maceration is taken in small cups as a light digestive support. These accounts are drawn from published ethnomedicinal surveys and regional compilations that list the plant and its part used (leaves) without prescribing exact quantities. A third documented preparation style is a short decoction of young leaves, used in small volumes to accompany heavy meals. Though fewer communities describe this exact method than infusions, one listing records “leaf decoction” for use after large meals in northwest Tanzania, underscoring the plant’s place as a modest digestive aid.
A practical infusion can be prepared safely and simply. To make a mild digestive tea for two cups, place two heaping teaspoons of dried leaves (about 2 g) into a heatproof vessel, pour 250 ml of just-boiled water over them, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink warm while the flavor remains mild. For a fresh-leaf maceration that aligns with field practice, bruise 10–12 fresh leaves (about 15 g), cover with 300 ml of cool or lukewarm water, and let sit for 2–4 hours, then strain. Avoid boiling the leaves, and keep the total daily infusion or maceration to no more than two cups in a single day. People known to be pregnant or nursing should avoid use; excessive quantities of some Crotalaria species can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so moderate consumption and adherence to the short steep time advised here are important.
Phytochemically, Crotalaria species commonly accumulate quinolizidine alkaloids and flavonoids in the aboveground parts. These classes are well documented in Crotalaria research and provide a plausible basis for the bitter, digestive-supporting quality of the beverage preparations. Small-scale phytochemical profiles for closely related species also report quinolizidine alkaloids; although detailed constituent work specific to C. micans remains limited, the broader genus chemistry aligns with traditional use as a modest bitter tonic. Today, the plant is mainly used in local home brewing, and renewed agronomic interest is drawing attention to tea-quality leaf selection in Kenya and Zambia, where producers are trialing improved strains for beverage potential.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
- Green manure: dried aerial parts applied as a soil amendment; nitrogen‑fixing capability improves soil fertility in tropical rice and vegetable cropping systems. It is typically sown at a density of 30–50 kg ha⁻¹, incorporated after 6–8 weeks, providing 40–60 kg N ha⁻¹. Field trials in tropical regions have reported increased soil organic carbon and improved soil aggregation after incorporation, enhancing soil health.
- Cover crop: sown during fallow periods to suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and increase organic matter. Its rapid growth and tolerance of partial shade make it suitable for intercropping with maize or cassava, providing ground cover during early growth stages.
Industrial and craft applications:
- Bast fiber: stems yield a strong bast fiber suitable for cordage, twine, and pulp for paper. The fiber is extracted by retting the stems for 5–7 days followed by mechanical decortication; resulting fibers are typically 0.5–1.0 mm in length, with tensile strength comparable to other legume bast fibers. The relatively low lignin content reduces alkaline chemical requirements in pulping, and the short fiber length makes it suitable for paper grades such as newsprint and packaging. Fibers can also be processed into rope for agricultural uses.
Properties relevant to use:
- Symbiotic nitrogen fixation via rhizobial nodules provides a source of biologically available nitrogen for subsequent crops. The above‑ground biomass is nitrogen‑rich, typically containing a few percent nitrogen by dry weight, which mineralizes to plant‑available nitrate within weeks after incorporation.
- The fiber’s relatively high cellulose and low lignin content confers good water absorption and printability, facilitating pulping for paper. The tubular fiber morphology contributes to flexibility and ability to absorb moisture.
Standards and regulation:
- Green‑manure material is subject to national agricultural product labeling and may be covered by organic certification schemes (e.g., USDA NOP, EU Organic Regulation). Pulp and fiber products must meet applicable timber and paper standards (e.g., ISO 16820 for paper pulp, ISO 5350 for pulp moisture content). Export of seeds or plant material may require compliance with phytosanitary regulations such as those administered by APHIS or the EU Plant Health Directive.
Sustainability and sourcing:
- As a leguminous cover crop, Crotalaria micans reduces reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and contributes to lower greenhouse‑gas emissions associated with fertilizer production. Cultivation requires minimal external inputs, and seed can be harvested manually; the crop tolerates low‑fertility soils, making it suitable for resource‑poor smallholder systems. Seed yields reported in Southeast Asia are sufficient for local replanting, enabling continuous use without external seed purchases. Integration into rotation systems enhances soil health and supports diversified farming practices that improve resilience to climate variability.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Crotalaria stipulata | Vell. | Fl. Flumin.: 307, t. 109 (1829) |
| Crotalaria triphylla | Vell. | Fl. Flumin.: 307, t. 108 (1829) |
| Crotalaria brachystachya | Benth. | Linnaea22: 512 (1849) |
| Crotalaria dombeyana | DC. | Prodr.2: 132 (1825) |
| Crotalaria anagyroides | Kunth | F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp.6: 404 (1824) |
| Crotalaria anagyroides var. angustifolia | Micheli | Vidensk. Meddel. Naturhist. Foren. Kjøbenhavn1875: 63 (1876) |
| Crotalaria anagyroides var. minor | Micheli | Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst.37: 1 (1892) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | caracas rattlebox |
| Chinese | 三尖叶猪屎豆 |
| Chinese | 黃豬屎豆 |
| Chinese | 美洲野百合 |
| Chinese | 黄猪屎豆 |
| Chinese | 黄野百合 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Africa click to expand
-
South Tropical Africa
- Mozambique
- Zimbabwe
-
West-central Tropical Africa
- Cameroon
- Zaïre
-
Western Indian Ocean
- Comoros
- Madagascar
-
South Tropical Africa
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
China
- China South-central
- China Southeast
- Hainan
-
Eastern Asia
- Taiwan
-
China
-
Asia-tropical click to expand
-
Indian Subcontinent
- Assam
- Bangladesh
- East Himalaya
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
-
Indo-China
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Thailand
- Vietnam
-
Malesia
- Borneo
- Jawa
- Lesser Sunda Islands
- Malaya
- Philippines
- Sumatera
-
Papuasia
- Bismarck Archipelago
- New Guinea
-
Indian Subcontinent
-
Australasia click to expand
-
Australia
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
-
Australia
-
Northern America click to expand
-
Mexico
- Mexico Central
- Mexico Gulf
- Mexico Northeast
- Mexico Northwest
- Mexico Southeast
- Mexico Southwest
-
Mexico
-
Pacific click to expand
-
North-central Pacific
- Hawaii
-
Northwestern Pacific
- Caroline Islands
-
Southwestern Pacific
- Fiji
- Niue
-
North-central Pacific
-
Southern America click to expand
-
Brazil
- Brazil North
- Brazil Northeast
- Brazil South
- Brazil Southeast
- Brazil West-central
-
Caribbean
- Leeward Islands
- Trinidad-Tobago
- Venezuelan Antilles
- Windward Islands
-
Central America
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panamá
-
Northern South America
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Suriname
- Venezuela
-
Southern South America
- Argentina Northeast
- Argentina Northwest
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
-
Western South America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
-
Brazil
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000210917 |
| USDA Plants | CRMI9 |
| Tropicos | 13029325 |
| INPN | 629456 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322606-2 |
| The Plant List | ild-6015 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 227361 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1127386 |
| Nature Serve | 2.131743 |
| IUCN Red List | 19892472 |
| IPNI | 322606-2 |
| iNaturalist | 139267 |
| GBIF | 2941831 |
| EPPO | CVTAN |
| EOL | 694521 |
| USDA GRIN | 311056 |
| CMAUP | NPO28862 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
Add a new one!
Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives | |||||
| Jacobine | 442741 | Click to see | 351.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / p-Hydroxybenzoic acid esters / p-Hydroxybenzoic acid alkyl esters | |||||
| Protocatechuic acid, methyl ester | 287064 | Click to see COC(=O)C1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)O | 168.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Straight chain fatty acids | |||||
| Crotonate | 6971246 | Click to see CC=CC(=O)[O-] | 85.08 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues / Purine nucleosides | |||||
| Adenosine | 60961 | Click to see C1=NC(=C2C(=N1)N(C=N2)C3C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)N | 267.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzopyrans / 1-benzopyrans / Xanthones | |||||
| Mangiferin | 5281647 | Click to see | 422.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Pyrrolizidines | |||||
| (7aS)-1-Methylenehexahydro-1H-pyrrolizine | 11815860 | Click to see | 123.20 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1100165 https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9620328 |
| 1-Methylenepyrrolizidine | 3990672 | Click to see | 123.20 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1100165 https://doi.org/10.1071/CH9620328 https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / 2-arylbenzofuran flavonoids | |||||
| 3-(3,5-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-5-carbaldehyde | 636845 | Click to see | 348.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 4-[(2R,3R)-3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-hydroxy-4-[(E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)vinyl]-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-2-yl]benzene-1,2-diol | 5279244 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C=CC2=C3C(C(OC3=CC(=C2)O)C4=CC(=C(C=C4)O)O)C5=CC(=CC(=C5)O)O)O | 470.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Moracin M | 185848 | Click to see | 242.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Coumaric acids and derivatives | |||||
| [(2R,3S,4S,5S)-5-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-6-(acetyloxymethyl)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]methyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 11092923 | Click to see | 560.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 5-O-Caffeoylshikimic acid | 5281762 | Click to see | 336.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Helonioside A | 16745274 | Click to see | 694.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Helonioside B | 21636195 | Click to see | 736.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Methyl Caffeate | 689075 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Smilaside L | 24862701 | Click to see | 870.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acid esters / Coumaric acid esters | |||||
| [(2S,3S,4R,5R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3-acetyloxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-5-[[(E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxymethyl]-3-[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxyoxolan-2-yl]methyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 24862644 | Click to see | 852.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| [(2S,3S,4R,5R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-6-(acetyloxymethyl)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-2,5-bis[[(E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxymethyl]oxolan-3-yl] (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 11593148 | Click to see | 882.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| [(2S,3S,4R,5R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-6-(acetyloxymethyl)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-5-[[(E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxymethyl]-3-[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxyoxolan-2-yl]methyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 24862642 | Click to see CC(=O)OCC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2(C(C(C(O2)COC(=O)C=CC3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)OC)O)OC(=O)C=CC4=CC=C(C=C4)O)COC(=O)C=CC5=CC=C(C=C5)O)O)O)O | 852.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 1-O-(4-Hydroxy-trans-cinnamoyl)-2-O-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-trans-cinnamoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranose | 11735009 | Click to see | 664.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| GlyTouCan:G35745RU | 24850451 | Click to see | 840.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Smilaside C | 10919948 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=CC(=O)OCC2C(C(C(O2)(COC(=O)C=CC3=CC=C(C=C3)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC5=CC(=C(C=C5)O)OC)O)O | 840.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Smilaside G | 24862591 | Click to see | 810.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Smilaside K | 24862643 | Click to see | 882.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones | |||||
| (2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one | 667495 | Click to see C1C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C2C1=O)O)O)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O | 272.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Quercetin | 5280343 | Click to see | 302.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid C-glycosides | |||||
| Isovitexin | 162350 | Click to see | 432.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid C-glycosides / Flavonoid 8-C-glycosides | |||||
| Vitexin | 5280441 | Click to see | 432.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides | |||||
| (2R)-2alpha-(3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-3alpha,7-diol | 10885307 | Click to see CC1=C(C2=C(C=C1O)OC(C(C2)O)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)OC)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O | 480.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[[(2R,3R)-3,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-5-yl]oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 11081337 | Click to see | 480.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| quercetin 3-O-beta-L-rhamnopyranoside | 5320854 | Click to see | 448.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides | |||||
| 7-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6S)-3-[(2S,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one | 154496171 | Click to see C1C(C(C(O1)OC2C(C(C(OC2OC3=CC(=C4C(=C3)OC(=CC4=O)C5=CC=C(C=C5)O)O)CO)O)O)O)(CO)O | 564.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)85781-7 |
| Apiin | 5280746 | Click to see | 564.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)85781-7 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 3-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Tricin | 5281702 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O | 330.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Macrolides and analogues | |||||
| (+)-Anacrotine | 5281720 | Click to see | 351.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)99662-5 |
| (1,6)Dioxacyclododecino(2,3,4-gh)pyrrolizine-2,7-dione, 3,4,5,6,9,11,13,14,14a,14b-decahydro-3,6-dihydroxy-3-((1R)-1-hydroxyethyl)-5,6-dimethyl-, (3R,5R,6S,14aR,14bR)- | 12096664 | Click to see CC1CC(C(=O)OC2CCN3C2C(=CC3)COC(=O)C1(C)O)(C(C)O)O | 369.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 |
| (1S,4E,6R,7R,16R,17R)-4-Ethylidene-7,16-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-2,9-dioxa-14-azatricyclo[9.5.1.014,17]heptadec-11-ene-3,8-dione | 16058066 | Click to see CC=C1CC(C(C(=O)OCC2=CCN3C2C(C(C3)O)OC1=O)(C)O)C | 351.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)99662-5 |
| (1S,4Z,6S,7S,17R)-4-ethylidene-7-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-2,9-dioxa-14-azatricyclo[9.5.1.014,17]heptadec-11-ene-3,8-dione | 124397011 | Click to see | 335.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1100165 |
| 12,15,20-Trihydroxy-15,20-dihydrosenecionan-11,16-dione | 114912 | Click to see | 369.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 |
| 4-(1-Chloroethyl)-4,7-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-2,9-dioxa-14-azatricyclo[9.5.1.014,17]heptadec-11-ene-3,8-dione | 134714994 | Click to see | 387.90 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 |
| 4-Ethylidene-7-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-2,9-dioxa-14-azatricyclo[9.5.1.014,17]heptadec-11-ene-3,8-dione | 254855 | Click to see | 335.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1100165 |
| CID 119200 | 119200 | Click to see | 387.90 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.2307/4117899 |
| Integerrimine | 5281733 | Click to see | 335.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1100165 |
| Senecionine | 5280906 | Click to see CC=C1CC(C(C(=O)OCC2=CCN3C2C(CC3)OC1=O)(C)O)C | 335.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)99662-5 https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0028-1100165 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Stilbenes | |||||
| Piceatannol | 667639 | Click to see | 244.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Resveratrol | 445154 | Click to see | 228.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |