Common Name: |
Crab's Eye |
Other Names: |
Jequirity, Coral Pea, Indian Licorice |
Botanical Name: |
Abrus Precatorius |
Genus: |
Abrus |
Family: |
Papilionaceae |
Native Location: |
India |
Cultivation: |
Rich, well-drained, sandy soil in sun or partial shade. A temperature of 21°C (70°F) is needed in summer for flowering. Tolerates saline conditions. Cut back straggly growth to two or three buds in early spring. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in late winter; by softwood cuttings, at 24°C (75°F). Soak the hard seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to speed germination. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked during the growing season and dried for use in infusions. Ripe seeds are collected in the autumn and ground for pastes. |
Warning: |
Seeds are extremely toxic if eaten. |
Height: |
1-4m (3-13ft) |
Width: |
Indefinite |
Hardiness: |
Min 16°C (61°F) |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, seeds |
Properties: |
A licorice-tasting herb that is soothing (leaves), emetic (seeds and roots), irritant, and abortifacient (seeds). |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for sore throats and dry coughs (leaves). Externally for sciatica, hair loss, skin disease, leprosy, nervous debility, and paralysis (seeds). The seeds are extremely poisonous, causing stomach cramps, vomiting, birth deformities, sterility, coma and death. The roots rich in glycyrrhizin, have been used as a substitute for licorice but contain toxic, emetic compounds that make this use inadvisable. In some countries the seeds and roots are prohibited from therapeutic use, sale, or supply. For use by qualified practitioners only. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. Pg 97 |