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Brazilian jackbean
Scientific Name: Canavalia brasiliensis
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Canavalia brasiliensis (Brazilian Jackbean)
Canavalia brasiliensis, commonly known as Brazilian jackbean, is a perennial vine belonging to the legume family.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a legume used as animal fodder, so may be attractive to animals.
Considerations for Children
- Seeds of related species are sometimes used as children's toys (Bonsai), so may be attractive to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Canavalia brasiliensis Mart. ex Benth.
- Rank: Species
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
- Synonym: Canavalia brasilensis (often misspelled)
Common Names
- Brazilian jackbean
- Feijo bravo do Cear (Brazil)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Brazil, particularly in the northeast region.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial vine/forb/herb.
Uses
- In poor regions of northeast Brazil, the seed is used as food during times of low food availability.
- Related species (Canavalia ensiformis) are used for animal fodder and human nutrition.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- A related species, Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean), has been found to have insecticidal activity due to its ureases. The urease of Jack Bean can also induce hemocyte aggregation in Rhodnius prolixus.
- Protein Concanavalin A from Jack Bean is known to interact with phytopathogenic fungi.
Quirky Facts
- A related species, Canavalia ensiformis, has "old" N- and C-termini are linked with a peptide bond, whereas the "new" ones
Further Information
- Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Canavalia brasiliensis.