Black Bean

It is an evergreen tree that can grow to 140 feet in height. It gets its name from its black pod and seeds that resemble beans. They are harmful if eaten raw but edible after cooking them carefully.

It flowers from October to November and its cylindrical pods can be found from March to May.

It is a beautiful tree planted for ornamental purposes and considered an ideal shade tree in parks, resorts and gardens.

Its been used as an extensive preparation food by Aborigines. It contains alkaloids which have been shown to have anti-HIV and anti -cancer properties.