Black bean

Black bean is a tree species that can grow up to 40 metres in height and outcoming native species for resources.

Description

• Leaves consist of 7-17 large leaflets, glossy dark green and asymmetric at the base.

• Flowers are large, orange/red, pea-flowers shaped and clustered on older branches.

• Large cylindrical seed pods 12-20cm long containing 3-5 bean-like seeds.

• Hard-shelled seeds dispersed by gravity and mammals.

• If eaten, the seeds can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness.

• Habitats include moist soils in low land, subtropical and tropical rainforests.

What you need to know

Black bean can outcompete native species for resources and alter habitat structure. Leaves and seeds are toxic to humans and livestock, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Management approach

Black bean is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of black bean yourself. Report any sightings to us.