mucuna

Mucuna holtonii is a species of plant in the bean family, which is pollinated by bats. Bats are able to detect if the flowers have nectar using echolocation. After an initial bat visit during which nectar is removed, the petals are arranged in a different manner (altering the shape of the flower). As a result, the unique "echo fingerprint" of petal arrangement informs the bat whether nectar is present or absent.

Nescafe, Purple Jade Vine. Attractive legume with unusual royal purple flowers and seeds known as mucuna beans or Nescafe. Seeds and are used as a coffee substitute. Has been used for generations in India as a medicinal plant. Related to red Jade vine (Mucuna bennettii). The dark violet blooms appear closely pushed together in grape like clusters, up to 1 ft long and 6" in diameter. Very vigorous woody tree creeper - during warmer weather this vine can grow 2 feet or more a week!

This is a high-climbing woody vine species native to rain forests of Central and South America. The long, rope-like stalk hangs below the forest canopy where night-flying bats can easily access the fragrant blossoms. The name Brown Hamburger Bean is because of the beautiful seeds (looking like little hamburgers) that are often collected and polished by natives and made into lovely necklaces, bracelets and other handicraft items.

Yellow Jade Vine - a high-climbing woody vine species native to rain forests of Central and South America. The long, rope-like stalk hangs below the forest canopy where night-flying bats can easily access the fragrant lemon-yellow blossoms. The name Brown Hamburger Bean is because of the beautiful seeds (looking like little hamburgers) that are often collected and polished by natives and made into lovely necklaces, bracelets and other handicraft items. Related to red Jade vine (Mucuna bennettii).