What plant is the sea bean? Let us give you a real understanding of it
The sea bean (Adenanthera pavonina) is a small deciduous tree, a type of red bean tree. Its seeds are bright red and glossy and can be made into ornaments. In some regions it is believed to ward off evil, and it usually symbolizes longing and is used as a token of love between couples.
Other names for the sea bean
Peacock bean, red bean, love bean. Scientific name:Adenantherapavonlna
Distribution of the sea bean
The sea bean is native to Southeast Asia, such as India, Malaysia and Java. It is also distributed in the southeastern coastal areas of China, such as Taiwan, China, and Guangdong.
Morphological characteristics of the sea bean
The sea bean is a deciduous tree about 8 m tall, with young branches covered in fine down; it has pinnately compound leaves with ovate or oblong leaflets, the leaf tips very blunt, and both upper and lower surfaces covered in fine hairs, with 4 to 12 pairs of pinnae and 8 to 14 leaflets. The sea bean has a raceme-like panicle inflorescence with small white or pale yellow flowers and short flower stalks; the calyx is bell-shaped with 5 toothed lobes and covered in golden-yellow fine hairs; the corolla has 5 lanceolate petals; the anthers are ovate; the pod is strap-shaped, curving and coiling when it splits open, with a hairless surface; the seeds are bright red, broadly ovate and glossy. The sea bean flowers from June to July and fruits from August to September.
Growth habits of the sea bean
The sea bean prefers a warm, humid climate. Deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam is suitable for its growth. It likes light but is also shade-tolerant and has strong adaptability to the environment. In winter, low temperatures require keeping the tree warm, and the trunk can be wrapped in plastic film.
Folk customs of the sea bean
Love
Wearing a necklace or bracelet strung from love beans symbolizes that a man and woman are heart-to-heart and will grow old together.
Blessing
Wearing love beans on which wishes have been made represents getting exactly what one wants, with wishes coming true.
Safety
Some regions believe that wearing red beans can ward off evil and taboos, and that making them into ornaments is simple and natural with a profound meaning.