Phenology of the Genus Crotalaria L. (Fabaceae-Papilionoideae) of Holalkere, Hosadurga and Chitradurga Thaluks of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The present study describes detailed distribution of the genus Crotalaria L. in a natural habitat. This research is carried out by extensive field survey and observation across all the 3 thaluks of Chitradurga, area is botanized for Crotalaria species in all seasons and critically analysed the phenological features of all the documented species during the study period 2018-2021. We have recorded 11 species of Crotalaria, Crotalaria calycina Schrank., Crotalaria globosa Wight & Arn, Crotalaria goreensis Guill. & Perr., Crotalaria hebecarpa (DC.) Rudd. Crotalaria juncea L., Crotalaria orixensis Willd., Crotalaria pallida Aiton., Crotalaria prostrata Willd., Crotalaria pusilla DC., Crotalaria retusa L., and Crotalaria varicosa Polhill. Data obtained through this research is the basis for the study of further characterisation of Crotalaria species; this research describes the importance of phenology in taxonomy and the behaviour biology of the Crotalaria species, as they are economically important group.