Abrus

ABRUS (ay’-brus). Tropical creeping or climbing woody herbs grown in the S. for screens and sometimes in greenhouses for ornamental effect and the interesting, bead-like seeds, which, however, are poisonous.

Raise from seed (preferably soaked before sowing), or from cuttings rooted under glass. Arbus precatorius, to 10 ft. but usually trailing, has white to rose flowers and scarlet, black-spotted seeds.

These are used in making Buddhist rosaries, hence the plant’s common name, Rosary-pea. It is also called Crabs-eye vine, and, sometimes, Weather-plant because it droops or “goes to sleep” during storms.

Related Articles

• Madeira Vine
• Ecballium
• Kennedya