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30 December 2010
The Black Bean Tree (Castanospermum australe)
Common names: Black Bean Tree, Magic Bean, Moreton Bay Chestnut
The beautiful Black Bean grows to a height of around 10-15m. It prefers growing in full sun to part shade, with plenty of water (it’s a rainforest native!). A very ornamental, native tree, which provides good shade. The Black Bean has incredibly glossy green foliage and bright yellow and orange flowers, followed by seed pods which contain large seeds. The seeds attract birds, bats & possums. Sensitive to frost (best not grown in areas with temperatures below 8C).
| Black Bean Tree (Castanospermum australe) |  |
$5.50 $4.13
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Castanospermum australe is a hardy tree, suited to a wide range of conditions throughout Australia. Black Beans have been grown in Melbourne, where they grow to around 8m. Black Beans have a strong root system, which makes it suitable as an erosion-inhibitor. This also means however, that this tree should not be planted within 10 meters of houses, drainpipes etc. Castanospermum australe timber is highly valued.
Black Beans are usually propagated from fresh seed, sown in individual tubes. Transplanting is done after the first pair of leaves have appeared. After this, the seedlings are planted in loose, moist soil and watered regularly. Black Beans respond well to liquid fertilizer like Seaweed solution, which brings out the beautiful glossy green foliage. No fertilizer should be used within the first 3 months of the Black Bean’s life.
Black Beans can be used as an indoor plant, giving a stunning display multi-planted. Plant in high quality potting mix with added slow-release fertilizer & regular foliage spray (seaweed solution etc.) Can be grown in low to filtered light indoors, as long as it is slowly introduced.
Please be aware that leaves and seeds are toxic to livestock.
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