Catalogue no.: |
72 (temporary) |
Botanical classification: |
LEGUMINOSAE-PAPILIONOIDEAE Mucuna holtonii
SAPINDACEAE Sapindus saponaria
LEGUMINOSAE-CAESALPINIOIDEAE Delonix regia
LEGUMINOSAE-CAESALPINIOIDEAE Cassia grandis
|
Common name: |
Sea bean (Mucuna) |
Geographical description: |
Costa Rica |
|
Item description: |
Bracelet made of seeds. Large seeds: Mucuna holtonii (sea bean, Fabaceae); small spherical seeds: Sapindus saponaria (soapberry, Sapindaceae); brown seeds: Delonix regia (Flame tree, Fabaceae); red seeds: Cassia grandis. |
Length: |
25cm |
No. of beads: |
27 |
Bead size: |
Varies |
Plant information: |
Mucuna seeds have a multi-layered appearance and are durable. They are produced by climbing woody vines (lianas) native to the Caribbean. The seed pods covered with microscopic velvety hairs which can cause irritation. |
Collection date: |
March 2002 |
Donor: |
Ruth Smith has spent many years collecting botanical jewellery from around the world and donated her large collection to Kew in 2005. It numbers over 200 items, made from various plant parts such as seeds and bark, from a wide range of species. |
