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Rosary Pea

How to identify Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)

Rosary Pea, also known as Love Pea, Precatory Bean, John Crow Bead, Country Licorice, Wild Licorice, Jumbie Bead, Crab's eye, Indian liquorice

Rosary Pea is known for its distinctive seeds which are glossy and typically bear a bright red hue with a single black spot. These seeds are small, about the size of a pea or 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter. The plant itself has pinnate leaves that are made up of smaller, oval leaflets. Rosary Pea may develop slender stems that can climb or spread, forming dense mats. The flowers are small and can be pink to lavender in color, often forming in loose clusters. This species also possesses deep, tenacious roots which make it notably hard to eradicate once established.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Vine

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Rosary Pea

1

Distinctive glossy red seeds with a single black spot, pea-sized (8 mm).

2

Pinnate leaves with oval leaflets, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long.

3

Small flowers in pink to lavender clusters, 0.2 inches (5 mm) diameter.

4

Deep roots that are tenacious and hard to eradicate once established.

5

Fruit pods are flat, oblong, truncate, 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) long.

Rosary PeaRosary PeaRosary PeaRosary PeaRosary Pea

Detailed Traits of Rosary Pea

Leaf Features

The leaves of rosary Pea are pinnately compound and alternate, spanning 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) in length. Each leaf consists of 5 to 15 pairs of oval to oblong leaflets, each less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The leaflets are typically smooth and exhibit a prominent midrib with subtle lateral veins. The overall texture is delicate and thin. The coloration varies from light to medium green, contributing to its visually distinct appearance.

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Flower Features

The flowers of rosary Pea are small, measuring approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. They exhibit a range of colors from white to violet-pink, and are arranged in clusters within the axils of the leaves. Each flower has a delicate, symmetrical structure, with petals that form a subtle, rounded shape. Typically, these blossoms lack a strong scent. They predominantly bloom during the warm months, contributing to the plant's ornamental appeal.

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Fruit Features

The distinctive fruit of rosary Pea is a flat, oblong, and truncate-shaped pod, approximately 1.5 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5 cm) in length and 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) wide. This pod, coated in a silky texture, has a marked sharp deflexed beak. Upon maturity, it curls back to reveal its contents: 3 to 8 seeds with a vivid, glossy coloration. The seeds are two-toned, with the larger portion being scarlet-red and the smaller portion jet-black, akin to crab's eyes. This coloration is critical for distinguishing the fruit.

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Key Facts About Rosary Pea

Attributes of Rosary Pea
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Vine
Plant Height
1.8 m to 3 m
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
White
Fruit Color
Red
Black
Burgundy
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Rosary Pea
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Scientific Classification of Rosary Pea

Family
Legume
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Genus
Abrus
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Species
Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)
Learn More About the Rosary Pea

Distribution Map of Rosary Pea

Rosary Pea is native to various regions in South and Southeast Asia, showing a presence also in some Pacific islands. Its cultivation extends beyond its native range, and rosary Pea has been introduced to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and as far as Australia. Although rosary Pea is cultivated, in certain areas it is sometimes thought to be invasive and may have an impact on local ecosystems.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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