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Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC.
Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
Synonyms: | Canavalia apiculata, Canavalia arenicola, Canavalia baueriana, Canavalia emarginata, Canavalia maritima |
Common Name: | Bay Bean, Beach Bean, Seaside Bean, Coastal Jackbean, MacKenzie Bean, Greater Sea Bean, 海刀豆 |
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Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
Plant Growth Form | Climber, Vine & Liana |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Irregular |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Tropical coastal areas |
Native Habitat | Shoreline (Sandy Beach) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | It is a trailing, twining, slightly hairy, non-woody plant. |
Foliage | Its alternate, stalked leaves are trifoliolate (bearing 3 leaflets). Its stalked leaflets have somewhat fleshy leaf blades that are broad or rounded, 5–14 by 4.5–10 cm, and with shortly-pointed or notched tips. |
Stems | The thick stem can grow to more than 2.5 cm in diameter. |
Flowers | Its flowering shoot is about 30 cm long and found at the leaf axils. Its purple flowers are sweetly-scented and notched at the tips. |
Fruits | Its fruits are dry, dehiscent pods (legumes), linear-oblong, 6–15 by 1.5–3 cm, and contain many dark brown seeds. |
Habitat | It grows along sandy seashores. It occurs locally in Pasir Laba Camp and Pulau Ubin (Chek Jawa). |
Associated Fauna | Its flowers are insect-pollinated. |
Cultivation | This drought and salt tolerant species is ideal for sunny locations with nutrient poor, but well-drained soils. It has a fast growth rate, so it needs to be restrained by pruning. It can be propagated by seed. |
Etymology | Latin canavalia, after the Malabar vernacular name, kanavali, for these climbing herbs or sub-shrubs; Latin rosea, rose-like, possibly referring to the pink flowers. |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts (Edible Fruits, Edible Flowers, Edible Seeds) Food (Fruit & Vegetable : In northern Australia, the seeds and immature pods are used as food. Mature seeds are roasted or boiled before consumption. The flowers are edible.) [Others]: In many countries, this species is used to prevent soil erosion. |
Landscaping Features
Landscaping | It may be suitable for parks and the skyrise greening in buildings. |
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Flowers) |
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Easy to Grow |
Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Coastal, Beachfront / Shoreline, Green Roof, Groundcover |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Foliar Type | Compound (Trifoliate) |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Orbicular / Round) |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Retuse |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality 1 | Bisexual Flowers |
Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Axillary |
Individual Flower Shape | Papilionaceous / Pea-shaped |
Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) - Angiosperms and Gymnosperms | Brown |
Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
Fruit Type 1 | Dehiscent Dry Fruit |
Fruit Type 2 | Legume / Pod |
Mature Seed Colour(s) | Brown |
Image Repository
Images |
Others
Master ID | 30828 |
Species ID | 5184 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |