Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Crotalaria agatiflora
Common name: Canary bird bush
Origin: East Africa

The peculiar inflorescence of this species looks a bit like a family of canaries sitting on a branch, which is also what it has been named after. These green-yellowish flowers can be up to 12cm in size and be in clusters of 40cm long. They can flower multiple times in the year, which form on the ends of long branches. It might be a good idea to support these branches with either a frame or by letting it grow up another tree or shrub. Its minimum temperature is 4 degrees Celsius, so it could be kept outside in summer periods, but should be brought inside or protected in winter. In its original habitat in sunny and open areas in Eastern Africa it can grow up to a couple of metres tall, but in a pot it can settle to 2 metres and could be pruned as well. The plant likes a sunny spot, a sandy soil and regular watering. It is best to water the plant again once the soil has dried up.

Sowing description: Sandpaper the seeds first on one place until you see a colour difference. Then, soak the seeds for 24 hours in water and sow in sowing mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and germinate at 25-30 degrees Celsius.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate   
Minimum temperature: 4 degrees Celsius