Silky Jackbean
Canavalia sericea
- Native to:
- Australia, Caroline Is., Cook Is., Fiji, Marshall Is., New Caledonia, Niue, Samoa, Society Is., Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Vanuatu, Wallis-Futuna Is.
Tauʻolunga
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Canavalia
- Species:
- Canavalia sericea
- USDA Symbol:
- CASE9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- sea turtles, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained coastal soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal dune ecosystems
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 soaking in hot water. Seeds naturally scarified by tumbling in ocean waves and sand abrasion.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI