Common Name:

General Information

Canavalia cathartica is a perennial, climbing plant producing herbaceous stems 3 - 10 metres long that scramble over the ground and twine into the surrounding vegetation[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre. It is grown as a soil stabilizer on sandy soils and is also sometimes cultivated as an ornamental, valued especially for its showy flowers[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East Africa, through tropical Asia to New Guinea, tropical Australia and the Pacific.

Habitat

Found mainly in coastal habitats, sometimes on beaches intermingled with Canavalia maritima, but more commonly behind the beach in coastal thickets and coconut groves. It is occasionally found inland at elevations up to 250 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The seed is not buoyant, but remains impermeable to water for at least 18 months[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a sand binder on beaches[].

Other Uses

The broad, white fibres from the stem are used to make carrying nets[].

Propagation

Seed -

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