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Description
Entada Gigas, also known as the “Mighty Sea Bean,” is a large woody vine that grows in tropical regions around the world. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is prized for its large, durable, and buoyant seeds that are often found washed up on beaches. The plant can grow up to 80 feet in length, with leaves that are composed of three to four pairs of leaflets. It produces fragrant flowers that are followed by long, flat pods that contain the seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Entada |
Appearance
Entada Gigas has a distinctive appearance, with a thick woody stem that can grow up to 5 inches in diameter. Its leaves are composed of three to four pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and up to 6 inches long. The plant produces fragrant flowers that are white or cream-colored and are followed by long, flat pods that can reach up to 3 feet in length. The pods contain large, flat, and dark brown seeds that can measure up to 6 inches across and weigh up to 1 pound.
Care Guide
Entada Gigas is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Mighty Sea Bean:
- Water: Entada Gigas prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water it regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: You can fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to help it grow strong and healthy.
- Soil: Entada Gigas prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If you are growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can receive plenty of sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Entada Gigas is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow it indoors in a warm and sunny location.
Common Pests & Diseases
Entada Gigas is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Root Rot: Overwatering can cause the roots of Entada Gigas to rot, which can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventual death. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
- Spider Mites: These small pests can infest the leaves of Entada Gigas, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or by using an insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: These pests can attach themselves to the leaves and stems of Entada Gigas, causing them to turn yellow and drop off. You can control scale insects by applying a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Entada Gigas is native to tropical regions around the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. It is commonly found growing in coastal areas, mangrove swamps, and along riverbanks. The plant prefers warm and humid conditions and can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Entada Gigas be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Entada Gigas can be grown indoors in a warm and sunny location. Place it near a south-facing window where it can receive plenty of sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Entada Gigas?
A: Entada Gigas prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water it regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Q: What kind of soil does Entada Gigas prefer?
A: Entada Gigas prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Entada Gigas?
A: Entada Gigas is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow it indoors in a warm and sunny location.
Related Plants
- Entada Abyssinica
- Entada Phaseoloides
- Entada Polystachya
References
- “Entada Gigas.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a150.
- “Entada Gigas.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed July 20, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:492414-1.
- “Mighty Bean.” National Parks Board Singapore. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/5/3573.
