Sword Jackbean
Canavalia gladiata
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hainan, India, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nicobar Is., Panamá, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
KENPEI
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Canavalia
- Species:
- Canavalia gladiata
- USDA Symbol:
- CAGL15
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 1000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Caribbean pod borer (Fundella pellucens), Fundella argentina
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical regions, prefers fertile soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds have hard coat requiring scarification or soaking in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Germinates best at warm temperatures (25-30°C).
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI