Calabar bean (Physostigma venenosum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Calabar bean on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Calabar bean
Physostigma venenosum, commonly known as the Calabar Bean, is a climbing legume native to tropical Africa. It is notable for its large, toxic seeds, historically used in rituals and as a source of the alkaloid physostigmine. This plant is intriguing for specialized botanical collections or protected tropical gardens.
Native range
West Africa
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light or partial shade and consistently high ambient humidity. The substrate should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and kept uniformly moist, without waterlogging. Avoid ingesting any part of the plant, especially the seeds, as they are extremely poisonous. It is not suitable for homes with children or curious pets.
How to save a dying Calabar bean
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilting leaves; soft or blackened stems. Root rot, foul odor.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot. Examine roots, cut off rotten ones. Replant in fresh, well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is the main killer. Also lack of adequate light and low temperatures.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if root rot is not too advanced and there is healthy tissue for recovery.