genus physostigma

[Kai]

African woody vines: calabar beans

[engladNak]

Genus Physostigma is a small group of flowering plants, specifically tropical vines, from the Fabaceae family. The most well-known species of this genus is Physostigma venenosum, also referred to as the Calabar bean, which is known for its poisonous properties and is native to tropical Africa. The genus name Physostigma, comes from the Greek words meaning bubble and stigma, referring to the shape of the bean where pollination occurs. These plants are typified by their twinning stems, trifoliate leaves, and large hanging pods with glossy, brown seeds.