Castanospermum australe

‘Lucky Bean Tree’ or ‘ Black Bean Tree’

The ‘Lucky Bean Tree’ or Castanospermum australe is actually a tree. Also known as the Morton Bay chestnut and ‘Black Bean Tree’ it has many uses, interestingly as a house plant or indoor plant, for bonsai and for medicinal purposes. It is the seeds that are the ‘Lucky 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.

How to Grow the ‘Lucky Bean Tree’

As an indoor plant this is a fairly easy plant to grow until it outgrows its pot.

• Choose a pot or container that will hold the number of beans you want to grow spaced at around 5cm apart.
• The ‘Bean’ sits on top of the soil pressed down a little. You want most of the bean above the soil as in the photo above.
• Keep the soil just moist.
• Place the container near a sunny window.
• Mist spray the beans and the soil every day until the bean begins to sprout.
• After the bean sprouts just water the soil, not wet and soggy , just moist.
• After a while the bean will begin to shed its skin, remove this gently to reveal the green bean.
• Eventually the bean itself will fall away and you will be left with plant.

At this stage you might want to start over again. If you are thinking of growing the tree on, be aware that it will reach 8 metres in height easily and up to 30 metres in good conditions.

Uses

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.

The root system of Castanospermum australe or ‘Black Bean’ is extensive so Castanospermum australe or ‘Black Bean’ is not suitable for planting in all areas (keep away from drains, buildings etc).

It makes a lovely shade tree in a parkland situation. Castanospermum australe or ‘Black Bean’ is also used for bonsai where it is often grown from seed.

Although this is large tree, it can be successfully grown in containers for a number of years. Growth rate will be slower in containers.

Many people grow these as indoor plants 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.

The foliage and seed pods are toxic to live stock, so the tree is not suited for use in some rural situations.

Castanospermum australe or ‘Black Bean’ – Summary Information.

• Height – Generally from 12  – 16 metres, sometimes smaller.
• Spread – Will form a crown of 3  – 5 metres across.
• Position – Full sun.
• Soil – Humus rich with some moisture.
• Foliage – Glossy green.
• Flowers – Brilliant red and yellow pea like flowers.
• Flowering period – Spring to summer. Flowers are followed by seed pods.
• Frost Tolerant – No.
• Drought Tolerant – No

Where to Buy Lucky Bean Tree’ or Castanospermum

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