Contents
Description
Entada is a tropical plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is also known as the sea bean or matchbox bean, and it is native to the coastal regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The plant is known for its large seed pods, which can reach up to 2 meters in length and contain up to 12 seeds. These seeds are often used for decoration and are considered good luck charms in some cultures.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Entada |
Appearance
Entada is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with smooth, gray bark and large, compound leaves that can reach up to 60 centimeters in length. The plant produces large, greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by the characteristic seed pods. These pods are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to 2 meters in length. Each pod contains up to 12 seeds that are flat, oval-shaped, and up to 5 centimeters in diameter.
Care Guide
Entada is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate sunlight, and it should be watered regularly but not overwatered. The plant does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Entada is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Entada is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. Spider mites and mealybugs can also be a problem for the plant, but these can usually be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Entada is native to the coastal regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, where it grows in sandy soils near the ocean. The plant is tolerant of saltwater and can even grow in tidal areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Entada be grown indoors?
A: Entada is a large tree that is not well-suited for indoor cultivation.
Q: Can Entada tolerate saltwater?
A: Yes, Entada is tolerant of saltwater and can even grow in tidal areas.
Q: How often should Entada be watered?
A: Entada should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Are the seeds of Entada edible?
A: The seeds of Entada are not edible and should not be consumed.
Related Plants
- Acacia
- Albizia
- Cassia
- Pterocarpus
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/entada/entada-sea-bean.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entada
- https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ENCA
