Crotalaria

(krot-ah-la're-ah.) [From Gr. krotalon, a rattle.] (Bot.) An extensive gen. of tropical or subtropical plants, O. Fabaceæ, consisting of papilionaceous herbs or small shrubs. Their flowers are produced in racemes, either opposite the leaves or at the end of the branches, and are usually of a yellow color. C. Juncea, the Sunn-hemp of India, is extensively cultivated in South India, on account of the valuable fibre yielded by its inner bark, which is very strong, and is considered to be equal to the Ru ian hemp; it is employed for cordage, canvas, and all the ordinary purposes of hemp. C. sagittal is, the Rattle-box, is found in woods and sandy fields from New Hampshire to Arkansas. [s. 247]