Beach Bean / Coastal Jack Bean
Origin of name
Family: FABACEAE
- Canavalia meaning bean species
- rosea meaning “pink“
Occurrence
A local plant growing on beaches & occasionally in beach forest and maritime, monsoon forest.
Requires well-drained soil and prefers full sun. Tolerates salt, dry periods and nutrient-poor, sandy soils. Grows quickly, but easy to prune. Can grow in heavier soils.
Appearance
Prostrate vine on beaches, or climber with thin wiry stems (1-4m). Upright sprays of pink pea-flowers (sporadic) lead to thick, flat, brown pods with dark brown seeds.
Indigenous use: Root infusion (medicine for colds, general aches and pains, rheumatism, leprosy); young pods/seeds (edible after boiling/roasting to denature hazardous components). Very important in dune stabilisation. Can be grown as cover crop or sand-binder. Food plant for caterpillars of Dark Cerulean butterfly.
Image coming soon