AI overview
Abrus precatorius is a tropical climbing plant known for its small, bright red and black seeds, which have been used historically in jewelry, textiles, and traditional medicine across various cultures. The plant is notable because its seeds contain abrin, a highly toxic protein, making it dangerous if ingested while remaining visually appealing and accessible in regions where it grows naturally.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Taxonomy · GBIF
SPECIES
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderFabales
- FamilyFabaceae
via GBIF · CC0
Article
Abrus precatorius, commonly known as jequirity bean or rosary pea, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae. It is a slender, perennial climber with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves that twines around trees, shrubs, and hedges.
The plant is best known for its seeds, which are used as beads and in percussion instruments, and which are toxic because of the presence of abrin. Ingestion of a single seed, well chewed, can be fatal to both adults and children. The plant is native to Asia and Australia. It has a tendency to become weedy and invasive where it has been introduced.