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Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean

Castanospermum Australe

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Overview

The Moreton Bay Chestnut (Castanospermum australe), better known as Black Bean, is an evergreen tree native to Australia’s coastal rainforests. Valued for its broad, glossy green leaves and vibrant yellow-and-red flowers, it can reach up to 130 feet tall in its natural habitat but commonly stays under 50 feet in gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Note: The seeds are toxic if ingested.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 9–10Climate Mediterranean

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (87)

Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — glossy green leaves and vibrant yellow-and-red flowers
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — better known as Black Bean
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — it can reach up to 130 feet tall in its natural habitat but commonly stays under 50 feet in gardens
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — is an evergreen tree native to Australia‚Äôs coastal rainforests
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — The Moreton Bay Chestnut (Castanospermum australe)
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — commonly referred to as the Black Bean or by its botanical name Castanospermum australe
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — serves as a captivating and robust addition to any landscape design
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — Note: The seeds are toxic if ingested
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — Native to the coastal rainforest regions of Australia
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — The Black Bean boasts a dense, rounded crown, offering generous shade
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — with a canopy spread of roughly 20 to 30 feet
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — which grow 6 to 12 inches long
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — The pods encase shiny, black seeds that resemble beans, hence the common name
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — are glossy and deep green
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — contrasting splendidly with the vibrant red and yellow pea-like flowers that bloom in spring
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — These blooms are not only visually stunning but also attract pollinators such as bees and birds
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — adding life and color to the landscape.<br><br>Following the flowering season
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — distinctive seed pods up to 12 inches in length
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — Castanospermum australe offers designers a striking
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — and intriguing seed pods that can enhance the aesthetic of any sizable landscape
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — The tree is adaptable to a variety of soils, although it prefers a well-drained, fertile loam
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — can tolerate short periods of drought.<br><br>In summary
Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean (Castanospermum Australe) — shade-providing specimen with year-round interest - lush foliage

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