Abrus precatorius – Jequirity Bean, Rosary Pea

Description

A slender climbing plant native to India with pinnate leaves and pink flowers followed by short pods that release bright red colored seeds with a black tip. These are popular as beads for rosaries and natural jewelry, despite being highly toxic. The toxin they contain, abrin, is similar to ricin, the substance found in the Castor Oil Plant, Ricinus communis. Abrus precatorius has much invasive potential and is considerd a noxious weed in many countries. It should not be grown in climates where it has the potential to spread and is not already present. In India it is an important medicinal plant.