Castanospermum australe (Black Bean)

Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) orange flower close up on woody branch with green leaves.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) clusters of orange flower stems among dark green foliage.

Botanical name: Castanospermum australe

Common names: Black Bean, Moreton Bay Chestnut

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Origin: Australia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant form: Large tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Red, crimson, vinous flowersYellow, orange flowersFlower color: Red, crimson, vinous; yellow, orange
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

This is a handsome tree with glossy dark green pinnate leaves and low spreading branches when grown in the open. During October - November, it bears sprays of red and yellow pea-shaped flowers 1"-2" long, which are partly hidden by the dense foliage. The nectar produced by the flowers attracts birds, bats and butterflies. Propagation of this species is from fresh seed. Black Bean also makes an ideal indoor plant. The leaves and seeds are toxic to livestock. The Black Bean has also proved valuable as a timber species, it's seeds have been utilized - following extensive preparation as a food by Aborigines and it contains alkaloids which have been shown to have anti-HIV and anti -cancer properties.


Image gallery: 18 images
Castanospermum australe green seed sprouting with dark green leaves in a small container
Castanospermum australe split green seed sprouting into a young plant with leaves
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) green plant with dark large seeds in a small pot
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) with glossy green foliage and prominent seeds growing in a square pot.
Castanospermum australe green leaves on a young slender tree in black plastic pot
Castanospermum australe stems with glossy green leaves sitting in a black plastic container
Castanospermum australe green plant with large seeds in a brown container close up
Castanospermum australe growing from large green seeds inside a decorative round container.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) dark green leaves on woody stems in small decorative pots
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) stems emerge from large seeds nestled within small white stone containers
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) plant with glossy green leaves after light rain close up
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) leaves dripping with rain, showing elongated shapes and glossy texture
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) plant with glossy green leaves sitting on a table
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) young saplings with green leaves resting in pots on a table
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) green leaves on a plant in square pots on a plate
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) plants growing within small carved square pots on a plate
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) dark brown seed split open with green stems and leaves
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) seed splitting open to reveal long green stems with pointed leaves
Castanospermum australe green leaves on a plant in a black plastic container
Castanospermum australe with compound green foliage growing in a black nursery pot.
Castanospermum australe green plant with seed base in ceramic container on a plate
Castanospermum australe stems emerging from large seeds in a long ceramic container
Castanospermum australe branch with orange flowers and glossy green oval leaves close up
Castanospermum australe branch clusters of orange flowers nestled among thick green leaves
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) orange flower close up on woody branch during sunset light
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) orange flower cluster attached to a woody branch in warm light.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) orange flower close up against a dark background.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) flower clusters with deep orange tones against a dark background.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) red yellow flower clusters on a close up branch
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) red yellow flower clusters clinging to a woody tree branch
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) orange yellow flower close up on woody branch for aesthetic appeal.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) flower clusters with vibrant orange and yellow petals on woody branches.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) plant with glossy dark green leaves, a dense evergreen tree.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) dense canopy of glossy dark green leaves, capturing thick foliage texture.
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) dark green leaves on branch, close up of foliage, natural lighting
Castanospermum australe (Black Bean) dense green foliage on thick wooden stems in natural sunlight.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/castanospermum_australe.htm
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