Tree Handbook

Mescal Bean

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Tepeguaje
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Mescal Bean
Guayacan
Jopoy
Colima
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Anacahuita
Anacua

MESCAL BEANS.... Mountain Laurel
Sophora secundiflora - Fabaceae, Bean Family


DESCRIPTION: 
  • Small, evergreen tree, with dense, dark-green, glossy foliage.

  • Height: 25-35 feet.

  • Flowers: Fragrant, showy, bluish-purple; early spring.

  • Fruit: Woody pods to 5-inch-long, slightly constricted between the hard-
    shelled, red seeds.

  • Foliage: Dark-green, glossy leaves.

  • Bark: Dark gray to black, with narrow ridges and shallow fissures.

  • Growth rate: Slow to moderate.


REQUIREMENTS:
  • Sun: Flowers best in full sun; some shade tolerance.

  • Soil: Any; prefers limestone soils.

  • Drainage: Good to moderate, well-drained.

  • Water: Low; once established-, does poorly in wet areas; drought tolerant-,
    tolerates some salt. 

  • Maintenance: Webworms attack new growth; fungal canker can cause stem
    dieback.

  • Propagation: Fresh seed, scarified seed.

 

NATIVE HABITAT: 

Wooded areas near resaca banks in Cameron County.

WILDLIFE USE: 

Attractive to bees and butterflies.

COMMENTS: 

Red seeds made into jewelry; seeds are poisonous to humans; leaves and seeds are poisonous to livestock; good luck to carry a seed in your pocket. Very freeze-tolerant, one of the few plants that remained green after a major hard freeze; spring blooms have a wonderful scent which some people describe as grape bubblegum or Koolaid: young silver-velvet seed pods are very attractive in contrast to the glossy green leaves; beautiful ornamental to include in a smaller yard, patio or courtyard.

 

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