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Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Sesbania punicea, commonly known as Rattlebox, is a fast-growing shrub or small tree with attractive yellow-orange flowers and rattling seed pods. Native to South America, it's naturalized in warm regions.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. Tolerates a range of soil types but prefers fertile loam.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-25 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade.

Water

Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Reduce watering in cooler months.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. Tolerates a range of soil types but prefers fertile loam.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-25 °C.

Can tolerate brief dips but avoid frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

3-6 m

Spread

2-4 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Pinnately compound

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Synonyms
Aeschynomene miniata Ortega
Daubentonia punicea (Cav.) DC.
Daubentonia superbissima Haage & Schmidt ex K.Koch
Daubentonia tripetii Poit.
Emerus puniceus (Cav.) Kuntze
Ormocarpum elegans G.Don
Piscidia ovalifolia Larrañaga
Piscidia punicea Cav.
Sesbania tripetii (Poit.) Mouill.
Solulus elegans (G.Don) Kuntze
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderFabales
  • familyFabaceae
  • genusSesbania
  • speciesSesbania punicea
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 5/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 5/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

FAQs