How to Grow and Care for Parkia

Tree bean is a tall-growing tree found in mixed and evergreen dry and tropical forests. It is cultivated in east Asia, where parts of the plant are used in shampoos.

The bitter bean plant comes primarily from Southeast Asia. It can grow as tall as 45 meters, but it is mostly known for the large flattened beans that hang from its branches. The beans possess a strong flavor and smell similar to shiitake mushrooms, so they're not widely eaten outside their native range, but they are considered highly nutritious.

Parkia pendula is characterized by its cascading clusters of flowers, which give it a distinctive, pendulous appearance. This tropical tree flourishes in humid rainforest conditions, leveraging its high canopy position to capture sunlight. Its elongated, pod-like fruit is a notable feature, attracting a variety of wildlife that aids in seed dispersal, demonstrating a symbiotic relationship with its ecosystem.