Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean Tree

Frost Tolerance: Tolerates only light frost

Sun Exposure: Full to part sun

Origin: Coastal eastern Australia

Growth Habits: Evergreen to semi-evergreen tree, 50 to 60 feet tall and wide in cultivation (15-18 m), up to 130 feet tall (40 m) in the wild; pinnate leaves, 12 to 18 inches long (30-45 cm), with glossy dark green leaflets, 5 inches long (12 cm)

Watering Needs: Moderate water, quite drought resistant

Propagation: Fresh seed

The leaves and seeds are poisonous. The seeds were eaten by the Australian natives, only after preparations eliminating the toxins.
The Moreton Bay Chestnuts are also grown as home plants.

Blooming Habits:
Sprays of bright red and yellow, pea-shaped flowers, 1.2 to 1.6 inches long (3-4 cm), with very long white stamens in a brush-like effect, in mid spring

Fruiting Habits:
Large brown cylindrical pods, turning black when ripe, 5 to 8 inches long (12-20 cm), 1.6 to 2.4 inches wide (4-6 cm). They contain 3 to 5 large bean-shaped seeds, weighing about an ounce (30 g). They ripen in the fall