Wild Jack Bean
Origin of name
Family: FABACEAE
- Canavalia meaning bean species
- papuana meaning from “Papua“
Occurrence
A local plant, often along watercourses in rainforest and drier forests of coastal districts in northern Australia.
Requires well-drained soil and full sun. Fast-growing – prune regularly to prevent any unwanted, rampant growth. Tolerates some dryness. Easy to prune.
Appearance
A creeping/climbing vine with thin, wiry stems (1-4m). Pea-type flowers (Nov-Mar; often pink, sometimes white, cream, blue or purple) lead to oblong, flat, brown pods with mottled seeds.
Fast-growing, legume groundcover that fixes nitrogen. Flowers attract bees and other insects, including carpenter bees, which are reported to pollinate the flowers. Dense growth provides habitat for small creatures.
Image coming soon