Indian Licorice

Seventeen species of tender, deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen twining shrubs make up this genus, which occurs throughout the tropics in lowland forests. Abrus precatorius has aquired numerous common names from its many uses. The name "jequirity" is from the Portuguese translation of the Tupi-Guarani jekiriti, "lucky bean". "Indian licorice" refers to the fact that A. precatorius contains glycyrrhizin, a substance 50-60 times sweeter than sugar, which is most commonly found in Glycyrrhiza species (see licorice). Seeds of A. precatorius contain abrin, one of the most poisonous plant compounds known. Chewing a raw seed may prove fatal, but the toxin is even more lethal if it enters the bloodstream directly. The seeds are traditionally used in India to weigh gemstones (a single seed equals 1.75g/0.06oz, or 1 carat): the Kohinoor diamond was first weighted by this means. They are also popular worldwide as beads for rosaries, necklaces, and as a charm against illness.

Deciduous or semi-evergreen vine with pinnate leaves divided into 8-17 or more pairs of leaflets, up to 2 cm (¾in) long, tasting of licorice. Pink-purple, occasionally white, flowers are produced in racemes 3-8cm (1-3in) long, mainly in the summer, followed by pods, 5cm (2in) long, containing scarlet, black-tipped seeds.

Common Name:	Indian Licorice
Other Names:	Jequirity, Coral Pea, Crab's Eyes
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