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rosarypea

Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)

The rosary pea, scientifically known as Abrus precatorius, derives its common name from its historical use in making rosaries and other ornamental jewelry.

Considerations for Pets

  • The seeds of the rosary pea contain abrin, a highly toxic substance.
  • The plant is a vine and produces pods with oval seeds, potentially attractive to animals.

Considerations for Children

  • Rosary pea seeds are brightly colored (red with a black spot) and have been used in jewelry, which might make them appealing to children.
  • The seeds contain abrin, a potent toxin.

Quirky Facts

  • Jewelry makers have reportedly died after accidentally pricking their fingers while handling rosary pea seeds.
  • The plant is sometimes confused with the castor bean, another toxic plant.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
  • Common Names: Jequirity, Crab's eye, Rosary pea, Precatory pea or bean, John Crow Bead, Indian licorice, Akar Saga, Gidee Gidee, Jequirity bean, Prayer bead, Love bean, Rosary bean, Rosary bead
  • Alternate Name: Crab's Eye

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to India and parts of Asia.
  • Widely naturalized in Florida and across the tropics.
  • Also grows abundantly in Surinam and Indonesia.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a Category I noxious weed in Florida.
  • A common invasive species in the Southeast and across the tropics.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Slender woody vine that can twine around trees up to twenty feet.
  • Long, pinnate-leafleted feathery leaves.
  • Flowers are rose to purple in color, growing at the end of a stalk.
  • Produces pods with oval seeds that are typically red with a black spot.
  • Perennial.

Toxicity

  • Contains the toxic lectin, or toxalbumin, abrin, a protein that inhibits the function of mRNA.
  • Abrin is a close relative of ricin.
  • The shell of the seed is poisonous.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Birds may eat the seeds, while they are poisonous to humans.

Additional Resources

  • Dave's Garden provides tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Encyclopedia of Life contains comprehensive descriptions.