Some species of Crotalaria are grown as ornamentals. The common name rattlepod or rattlebox is derived from the fact that the seeds become loose in the pod as they mature, and rattle when the pod is shaken.
Some rattlepods are known to contain alkaloids that cause liver damage. These alkaloids are cumulative poisons, so toxins can build up in an animal's system over time. The disease caused by this liver damage is commonly known as 'walkabout disease' because affected horses can appear blind and wander aimlessly.
