Entada Species, African Dream Herb, Cacoon Vine, Snuff Box Sea Bean

I'm on the 8b-9a border in Pass Christian, Mississippi, USA. About 4 years ago, I planted an Entada reedii seed at the base of an oak. ...Read MoreIt has struggled to establish ; because it's progress each year is destroyed by freezes. I was quite surprised when it grew again from the base after a winter with a 13 F night. I had 3 inches of leaf mulch over the roots, and freezes here usually last for less than 12 hours. I need to relocate it; because it's in too much shade. I think if I put it in full sun, fertilize it, and give it more protection, it will get a trunk thick enough to wrap in winter. I don't ever expect native habitat growth here, but I hope to eventually make it flower to produce a giant bean pod. I declared a mild positive response, because it survives.

Entada rheedii is a woody climber of the legume family. It is found growing naturally throughout tropical Africa and south-eastern Asia. ...Read MoreIt is common to find its large seeds washed up on shores around the world. The leaves are a dark, glossy green, and grow in two rows on either side of branching limbs. The bark is brown and woody when mature, but as a seedling, is bright green (with a brownish hue) and exhibits a ribbing/corrugated pattern along the circumference of the stem. Somtimes called Sea Beans or Snuff Box Sea Bean, the seeds them selves are large and round seeds (around 3-6 cm in diameter, sometimes larger) and are protected by a hard, waxy coat. The interior of the seed is a white, hard porcelain-like solid. They grow in large seed pods that can exceed 5-6 feet in length. The seeds often drop into streams and rivers, making there way to the ocean where they can float for years until an animal or otherwise breaks the coat. Because of this, it is not an invasive species; the seeds rarely propagate without the aid of fairly severe scoring or weathering by aquatic animals or natural forces. Once the seed coat is broken and the seed becomes grounded, the vine grows up neighboring trees. The seeds are often sold as pendants or charms which are said to bring good luck to their wearers (some say within a matter of hours). They are quite commonly found in African markets or on Pacific islands. To cultivate, drill a hole or carefully crack open the seed and soak in water until the seed becomes bloated and enlarged. Once this occurs, sow in soil and within a few weeks the vine should sprout. Remember to keep the soil moist, much like how one would expect it to be near a shore or river bank.