This vigorous perennial creeper has a woody base with radiating stems that form a prostrate habit. It has leathery dark green oval leaflets and the small pink pea-shaped flowers appear in upright clusters during summer, followed by woody pods.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Canavalia rosais naturally found throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. In Australia it appears from New South Wales to Queensland and in the United States it is found from southern Florida to southern California and southern Texas. It is commonly grows along seashores and in the adjoining dunes or on seaside cliffs.

It prefers a well drained moderately fertile soil in an open sunny position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Coastal Jack Bean is grown for its spreading habit and foliage. It is planted in coastal gardens as a ground cover or used for sand dune stabilisation. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. It is also planted on embankments or used in commercial sites.ID 3143

Canavalia(KAH-nah-VAH-lee-ah) rosa(ROH-sah)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)