‘Lucky Bean Tree’ or Castanospermum australe
An interesting tree with lots of names is the ‘Lucky Bean Tree’ or Castanospermum australe. Also known as the Morton Bay chestnut and ‘black bean tree’ it hays many uses, interestingly as a house plant or indoor plant, for bonsai and for medicinal purposes. It is the seeds that are the ‘luck beans’.
The fascinating thing about this tree is that it grows from a large bean, the bean itself sprouts and splits and the shoot grows from this, feeding on the bean. In it’s early stages it is a fascinating sight.
This ‘Lucky Tree’ is originally from the rainforests of Northern NSW and QLD, it will reach 40m in its natural habitat, but is much smaller in cooler climates and in cultivation. It does have a fairly vigorous root system so don’y go planting this near drains or buildings.
Many people grow these indoors until they get to large, they can be planted out and used as a shade tree. The timber is sought after for wood working and cabinet making. The seed pods are simply, large
Lucky Bean Tree’ or Castanospermum australe is available for sale from the following participating nurseries and growers
AMAZONE TRADING – T: 02 6688 4208
Fully accredited modern & progressive wholesale nursery located in Northern NSW. Premier production nursery to the sensational Zanzibar Gem®, Life On The Rocks & Magic bean. Indoor plant specialist
SARABAH NURSERY – 07 55435808 / 0419024516
189 Sarabah Road, Sarabah QLD 4275
Wholesale nursery specialising in quality advanced trees & shrubs from 300mm to 150L. Specialists in tree and shrub supply for Urban development and revegetation programmes also contract growing to specifications. We supply & deliver all states. �?