Coastal Jack Bean

A trailing herbaceous vine with stems that grow to 6 metres in length, and about 25mm or 1" thick.

The Flowers are approx. 50mm or 2" long with several appearing on the one spike.

The scientific name is Canavalia rosea and it also has many other common names.

When the flower is fertilized, then a seed pod will set. The pods are about 10-15cm long. They are buoyant in water and are also salt tolerant, and can be carried on ocean currents, so the plant is found in tropical regions right around the world.

The leaves on the stems are set in groups of three, and in hot sunshine the three leaves will close together, to reduce the exposed surface area, thus reducing moisture loss. Given the right growing conditions this vine can be very vigorous, and cover other vegetation.