General Description:

Canavalia is a genus of about 60 species of vines that are found throughout the tropics and subtropics of the world.  There are 5 species found in Australia, the most common and best known of which is Canavalia rosea.

Canavalia rosea is a spreading groundcover or climber having stems from 2 to 3 metres long.  The leaves are 3-foliate with oval-shaped leaflets about 10-12 cm long. The flowers, which may be seen throughout the year, are usually pink to mauve but white-flowered forms are sometimes seen. The flowers are the typical “pea” shape consisting of 4 petals; the “standard”, the “keel” and two “wings” as shown in the diagram.  They are followed by an oblong pod containing about 6 seeds.

Although the young pods and seeds are used for food by Aboriginal people, the seeds are poisonous and seeds must be treated by boiling or roasting before consuming. The plant was used as an important food during James Cook’s voyages in the Pacific.

The plant is fast spreading and useful for weed control and dune remediation in coastal areas.  It is not often used in private gardens but would require an open, sunny position in well drained, sandy soils.  It should be able to tolerate light frosts.