The Magic Bean ( Castanospermum australe ) is a large evergreen tree that is native to tropical regions of Australia, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. In the past, the trees seeds were collected as a food source and its wood used to construct furniture and fence posts. Recently, the Magic Bean has become a popular houseplant in temperate climates.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Castanospermum australe is also commonly known as the Moreton Bay Chestnut, the Australian Chestnut, Lucky Bean Tree or Blackbean.
Warning: The fresh uncooked seeds and the leaves of the Magic Bean tree are toxic to humans and livestock. Gloves should be worn when handling the seeds or plants and consideration given as to the proximity of livestock in the trees final position.
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Growth
Castanospermum australe is a native rainforest tree that grows to a maximum of height of 40 metres (130 feet) and spreads to a width of up to 8 metres (25 feet). The leaves are pinnate, dark green, glossy and grow on low spreading branches. Each leaf grows to 15cm (6 inches) long and contains 10-15 leaflets. The flowers are bicoloured yellow and red and bloom during Spring on mature trees. Fruits are inside a cylindrical pod that grows to 20cm (8 inches) and are similar in size and shape to a large chestnut.
Although the Magic Bean is native to warm, tropical climates they are now commonly grown indoors in temperate regions around the world. Established trees can tolerate a short period of frost and have been known to succeed outdoors in Melbourne and in areas of southern England (Cornwall).
When growing them as houseplants indoors, the Magic Bean adapts well to the reduction in space and adjusts its size to suit.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 40°C / 32 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining sandy soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 40 metres (130 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (25 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Bisexual, pollinated by birds.
MATURITY:
8-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
90%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER KG:
Approximately 30
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CASTANOSPERMUM AUSTRALE
The fresh raw seed of the Magic Bean can be harmful as it contains a high level of saponins. Australian aborigines finely slice the seeds, soaked them in running water for 10 days and then roasted and ground them into powder.
When roasted, Magic Bean seeds have a similar taste to a sweet chestnut.
Castanospermum australe is an important tree among indigenous tribes of Australia. The wood was used to make spears, its mature seeds ground down for food and the bark fibre was adequate for making baskets and animal traps.
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