Jackbean

Canavalia cathartica

Native to:
Andaman Is., Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Caroline Is., Chagos Archipelago, China, Christmas I., Cocos (Keeling) Is., Cook Is., Eswatini, Fiji, Hainan, India, Jawa, Kenya, Laccadive Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Line Is., Malaya, Maldives, Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., Myanmar, Namibia, Nansei-shoto, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Philippines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Society Is., Solomon Is., Somalia, South Africa, South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Tubuai Is., Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Canavalia
Species:
Canavalia cathartica
USDA Symbol:
CAVI20

Growth Characteristics

Height:
300 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat requires scarification by nicking or brief acid treatment. Warm temperatures (25-30°C) optimal for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI