canavalia rosea – Beach Bean

Description

Raw beans contain toxins. Cultivate responsibly especially around children and pets. Foliage is also toxic.

Canavalia Rosea is a hardy evergreen legume native to the North Coast of Western Australia as well as parts of Asia, Africa and the Americas. It is a vigorous spreading vine that prefers to grow as a groundcover, but can be trained up a trellis. Attractive pale mauve flowers are followed by very large beans. The beans contain toxins that are destroyed by heat, so cooking is essential. The beans can be prepared similarly to broad beans.

Care

Requires a sunny position with very well draining soil. Drought and salt tolrant, but may require intermittent watering during the hottest parts of the year. Tolerates light frosts.