ENTADA RHEEDII
FAMILY :: FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
Liane staub, liane sabre, m’fure m’fure, Sea Bean, African Dream Herb: A very large liana growing to more than 100 meters long bearing large, woody seedpods up to 2 meters long with a number of large, dark brown, 10 cm diameter seeds inside. These seeds have an air pocket within that allows them to float for long periods of time, ensuring their wide distribution thoughout Africa and South East Asia.
The seeds are used decoratively and purportedly as a dream enhancer. Supposedly the powdered seeds are smoked for this effect.
Cultivation is easy in tropical climates. Germination is easily achieved by nicking the side of the seed opposite the germ and soaking it for a day or so in water. Then, after planting about 2-5 cm deep in well-drained soil, the seeds sprout in as little as 2 weeks. The vines grow very quickly after that.
This is a new plant here for us at XPlanta and it is growing well but it will probably be a year or more before we can provide more information on the cultivation of this plant. 4 out of 5 seeds that we had obtained germinated and are doing great.