Crotalaria nitens is native to tropical regions of the Americas, where it grows primarily in open fields, forest margins, and disturbed sites. This species belongs to a large group of legumes known for their distinctive floral structure and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, contributing to soil fertility in their habitats. It is recognized by its striking yellow pea-shaped flowers, often borne in clusters, which display a fine pubescence on the buds and calyces. The flowers of Crotalaria nitens follow the typical papilionaceous structure of legumes, with a broad upper standard petal and two lateral wings partially enclosing the keel. The plant produces inflated pods that rattle when dry, a feature common to the genus, which is the origin of the name “rattlepods” often applied to Crotalaria species. Photographed in Colombia.