Discover Nature at JCU Plants Plants by scientific name A-F Canavalia rosea*

Canavalia rosea*

(Coastal Jack Bean)

CanavaliaCanavalia

CanavaliaCanavalia

FAMILY

Fabaceae

Species

Canavalia rosea

Common name (s)

Coastal Jack Bean

Flower colour; life form

Purple, pink; herb twining

Distinguishing features

Trailing or twining herb with alternate firm to leathery leaves with 3 nearly circular leaflets; flowers purple to pinkish-purple, pod large 9-15 cm long and 2-2.5 cm wide with a rib along each margin. Originally confined to seashores, it has since been cultivated and has spread. Particularly good at binding sandy soils.