Coral Bean

Description:

In the summer months, these pods open and dump dozens of these bright red seeds onto the forest floor. Native jewelry made by the Indians use many of the forest tree seeds. This red one is especially popular for its bright color. The color is long-lasting (even for years) as long as the seeds remain dry. It can take hours to collect enough seeds for several necklaces. The last picture was taken in the market in San Cristobal de Las Casas, and shows this particular seed in necklaces for sale. Family Fabaceae.

Habitat:

Forest floor, Chorreadero Park, Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico.

Notes:

See this nice reference on Botanical Jewelry and seeds used for jewelry: http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0901.htm...