Beach Bean, Canavalia Rosea
This Canavalia Rosea is called by many names, such as Beach bean, Seaside bean, Coastal Jackbean, Bay bean and MacKenzie bean.
The Beach Bean is valued as a food source and was notable consumed by Captain James Cook and his crew during their voyage around the world in the years 1768 to 1771.
These seeds have been found in ancient sites like Oaxaca, Yucatan, and Peru, dating back from 300 B.C. to A.D. 900. The legumes and leaves are notorious for being used as a marijuana substitute.
Photo By Marcia Stefani Wikimedia
Habitat The beach bean can be found in many seashores in the tropical areas all over the world.
It also can be found in the coasts of central Florida, southern Florida peninsula, southern Texas and southern California.
These commonly grow in a trailing patter on sand dunes, seaside cliffs and coastal strand.
Description
The Canavalia Rosea is an herbaceous vine with thick and fleshy woody stems. It can grow up to 20 feet long and can have stems up to an inch thick.
It branches out to form mats of semi-succulent leaves. These leaves fold up when exposed to the heat of the midday sun.
The white, pink or mauve flowers that look like pea blossoms appear at during spring to early fall. It has flat pods that are usually 4 to 6 inches in length and are tough and woody when mature. 
Cultivation and Care
The beach bean will thrive in sandy soil conditions similar to that of its habitat, though it can also do well with other kinds of soil that has excellent drainage properties. It prefers full sun and is drought tolerant. It will require regular pruning to be kept under control. It is propagated from seed that is can be has to be scarified before being sowed after the cool frosts are gone. The pods have to dry on the plant and seeds are collected by breaking the pod.Mother Nature propagates these seed by floating them in the water and carrying them with the ocean currents.Photo By Hans Hillewaert Wikimedia
Usage
The beach bean is commonly used as ground cover for areas that have poor soil condition and not enough water. It is also used to stop soil erosion.
Arid areas in the continents of Australia and Africa the beach bean as a biomass cover crop because of its rapid growth.
The pods and seeds are edible, but mature seeds have to be roasted or boiled before being consumed as they are toxic when at their raw state.
Similar Posts
Coral Vine _________________________________________________________________
Top of Canavalia Rosea
Listed under Vine Plants
Share it with friends, family, and other gardeners around the world!
No comments:
Post a Comment