Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
africana
ID:
190558

Status:
valid

Authors:
Dunn

Source:
ildis

Year:
1922

Citation Micro:
Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew1922: 135 (1922)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000189887

Common Names

  • African Jack Bean
  • African Sword Bean
  • African Horse Bean

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Synonyms

  • Canavalia ferruginea Piper [valid]

Description

Canavalia africana (also called African Jack Bean, among many other common names) is an annual vine with white flowers and a fleshy root. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, and is found in moist, open habitats such as disturbed areas, roadsides, and fallow fields.

Uses & Benefits

Canavalia africana is used as an ornamental plant and for erosion control. It is also used as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as fever, colds, and coughs.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Canavalia africana are small, white, and have five petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are thin and have a single stem with two to three leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Canavalia africana is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It can be grown from seed or cuttings and prefers well-drained soil in full sun. It can tolerate light shade and is drought tolerant. Propagation is best done by division or cuttings in the spring or summer.

Where to Find Canavalia africana

Canavalia africana is native to tropical Africa and can be found in moist, sandy soils in coastal areas.

Canavalia africana FAQ

What is the scientific name of Canavalia africana?

Canavalia africana

What is the common name of Canavalia africana?

African Jack Bean

What is the habitat of Canavalia africana?

Dry, sandy soils

Species in the Canavalia genus

Canavalia saueri, Canavalia acuminata, Canavalia altipendula, Canavalia bicarinata, Canavalia boliviana, Canavalia concinna, Canavalia dura, Canavalia eurycarpa, Canavalia glabra, Canavalia grandiflora, Canavalia hirsutissima, Canavalia mattogrossensis, Canavalia matudae, Canavalia microsperma, Canavalia nitida, Canavalia obidensis, Canavalia oxyphylla, Canavalia palmeri, Canavalia picta, Canavalia piperi, Canavalia sericophylla, Canavalia villosa, Canavalia galeata, Canavalia parviflora, Canavalia pubescens, Canavalia sericea, Canavalia dolichothyrsa, Canavalia kauaiensis, Canavalia molokaiensis, Canavalia napaliensis, Canavalia brasiliensis, Canavalia macropleura, Canavalia lineata, Canavalia septentrionalis, Canavalia papuana, Canavalia bonariensis, Canavalia cathartica, Canavalia ensiformis, Canavalia gladiata, Canavalia plagiosperma, Canavalia regalis, Canavalia rosea, Canavalia africana, Canavalia raiateensis, Canavalia madagascariensis, Canavalia gladiolata, Canavalia mollis, Canavalia aurita, Canavalia macrobotrys, Canavalia ramosii,

Species in the Fabaceae family