Black bean tree (
Castanospermum australe) is a large evergreen tree often used as a shade tree or garden ornamental. Clusters of red and yellow pea-type flowers bloom in mid to late spring. The tree produces large cylindrical pods which contain large bean-type seeds. The nectar produced by the flowers attracts birds, bats and butterflies.
Toxic components
The leaves and seeds produced by
C. australe contain high amounts of saponins and castanospermine, an indolizidine alkaloid that is toxic to chickens if ingested.
