Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Rydb.) Cory
Bibliography: Rhodora 38: 406 (1936)
Year: 1936
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sesbania
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico, El Salvador
Description
The Poison-bean, scientifically known as Sesbania drummondii, is an intriguing member of the Fabaceae family. This species can be found primarily in the southeastern United States, extending its range into northeastern Mexico and El Salvador.
This plant was first described in detail in the Rhodora journal, volume 38, page 406, in the year 1936 by the botanist Per Axel Rydberg, and later revised by Victor Louis Cory. The Poison-bean is known for its unique adaptation to its environment, thriving in both wetland areas and drier uplands, which attests to its versatility.
Noteworthy for their toxic properties, the seeds and other parts of Sesbania drummondii contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals. This toxicity is an important feature of the plant, playing a role in its defense mechanism against herbivores.
The plant’s ecological role extends beyond its defensive capabilities. Being a legume, Sesbania drummondii enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation, thus contributing to soil fertility and supporting surrounding plant life.
Its appearance is also quite distinctive. It typically manifests as a tall, slender plant bearing compound leaves. The flowers are typically small, yet striking, often forming in clusters and sporting a bright yellow hue, which contrasts vividly with its green foliage.
Understanding the habitat and characteristics of Sesbania drummondii is crucial for botanists, ecologists, and horticulturists, particularly due to its environmental impact and the caution required in handling due to its toxic nature. Its presence across a wide geographical range highlights its adaptability and the ecological niches it occupies.
In summation, Sesbania drummondii or the Poison-bean is a fascinating species within the Fabaceae family, noteworthy for its toxic properties, environmental benefits, and wide geographic distribution.
Common Names
Eng: poison-bean, poisonbean, rattlebox, rattlebush, drummond’s sesbania
En: Poison-bean, Rattlebox, Rattlebush, Poisonbean, Drummond’s Sesbania
Synonyms
- Daubentonia drummondii (Rydb.)
- Daubentonia texana (Pierce)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 17, 2020 by Aaron Jenkins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Dan McLean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2015 by EOL − acreman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 18, 2022 by ruiz abril iara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by an del (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 3, 2015 by EOL − James W. Beck (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 17, 2020 by erazo Kevin davis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by an del (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Crystal Putnam (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Hong Wang (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 4, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 3, 2015 by EOL − James W. Beck (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by an del (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Hong Wang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2021 by cix (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 8, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 26, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 23, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 7, 2015 by EOL − acreman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 8, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Oct 23, 2014 by EOL − Bryan (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by an del (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2970712)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:235082-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sesbania drummondii (Rydb.) Cory)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb