Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Crotalaria

Species:

Crotalaria capensis

USDA Symbol:

CRCA27

Growth Characteristics

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,sep,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from base after fire damage; typical of South African fynbos-adjacent species adapted to periodic burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Hard seed coat requires scarification (hot water treatment or mechanical nicking) for best germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI