St Thomas Bean
Entada phaseoloidesfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. F420 — Entada phaseoloides
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IOverview
Overview
St Thomas Bean, scientifically known as Entada phaseoloides and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a vine native to regions including Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, and parts of China, among others. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can grow up to 30 meters tall. It is known for its edible leaves, sap, and seeds, making it a valuable resource in some areas. One distinctive feature of St Thomas Bean is its ability to adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, while thriving in hardiness zones 10-12.
Quick answers
What is St Thomas Bean?
St Thomas Bean, scientifically known as Entada phaseoloides and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a vine native to regions including Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, and parts of China, among others.
Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
St Thomas Bean thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can be propagated through seeds. This vine grows well in temperate regions with a hardiness range of 10-12, reaching heights up to 30 meters. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best results.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Vine
Mature size
30.0 m tall
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow St Thomas Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple vine that can grow in various conditions, perfect for beginner gardeners.
- 1
What you'll need
St Thomas Bean seeds or seedlings, a trellis or support structure.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant during the spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 inches deep in the ground. Ensure they are spaced about 3 feet apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade if direct sunlight is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize with compost every few months and continue watering as needed, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged parts. Harvest leaves and seeds when mature.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without shade, not providing support structure, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSapSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Coffee, Drink
Other uses:CraftingContainersFiberFire starterHairoilSoapWeaving materialTanninNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)BangladeshChinaJapanMyanmarPhilippines
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Oceania3 regions
native (3)FijiNew CaledoniaSamoa
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Caroline Is., Cook Is., East Himalaya, Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., Nansei-shoto, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Phoenix Is., Queensland, Santa Cruz Is., Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sulawesi, Sumatera
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f420cdb8-7f78-43a1-9c5b-1a1a88023457
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