Abrus precatorius

Specimen : Wild and domesticated

Observed habitats : Riverine forest and bamboo thickets

Local name : Saga-saga

Trade names : Jequirity, Precatory bean

Botanical name : Abrus precatorius

Family : Fabaceae

Height : 4-6 meters

Fruiting season : Fruits observed in February and July (possibly year round)

Traits : Fast-growing; Prolific fruiter; Woody climber

Recommendation : Wildcrafting

Used for : Leaves, seeds and roots are employed in traditional medicine; Leaves or roots are used as substitute for liquorice; Seeds used in making ornaments and ethnic-styled jewelries

Native range : Africa, tropical Asia (including the Philippines), Australia to the Pacific Islands

National conservation status : Not threatened

(Notes : Seeds highly toxic)

Further readings :

Bureau of Plant Industry Medicinal Plants Publication (Abrus precatorius) http://www.bpi.da.gov.ph/Publications/mp/pdf/s/saga.pdf

PROSEA (Abrus precatorius) http://www.proseanet.org/prosea/e-prosea_detail.php?frt=&id=124 (20)