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Matchbox Bean (Entada phaseoloides)

Matchbox Bean (Entada phaseoloides) is a vigorous woody vine with large, flat seed pods resembling matchboxes. It has attractive flowers and can grow very large.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. A mix of loam and sand, with good organic matter, is ideal.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Needs warmth and bright light to thrive.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. A mix of loam and sand, with good organic matter, is ideal.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures.

Ideal range is 18-25°C. Protect from frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Category

Foliage, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

15-30 m

Spread

5-10 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths67
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Oct
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths67
Synonyms
Acacia scandens (L.) Willd.
Adenanthera gago Blanco
Adenanthera scandens (L.) G.Forst.
Entada adenanthera DC.
Entada gandu Hoffmanns.
Entada rumphii Scheff.
Entada scandens (L.) Benth.
Gigalobium scandens (L.) Hitchc.
Lens phaseoloides L.
Mimosa blancoana Llanos
Mimosa scandens L.
Perima odorata Raf.
Prosopis scandens (L.) Stokes
Pusaetha scandens (L.) Kuntze
Strepsilobus scandens (L.) Raf.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderFabales
  • familyFabaceae
  • genusEntada
  • speciesEntada phaseoloides
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially during winter.

Prune to control size and shape, and to remove dead or overgrown branches. Heavy pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring, often requiring scarification or soaking to aid germination. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer.

Young plants may need repotting annually into larger containers. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, preferably in spring.

FAQs

How large can Entada phaseoloides grow?

Entada phaseoloides is a very vigorous vine that can reach lengths of 15-30 meters or more, with a spread of 5-10 meters.

What are the unique features of its seed pods?

The seed pods are large, flat, and woody, often resembling matchboxes, which gives the plant its common name. They contain large, hard seeds.

Does Entada phaseoloides require special soil conditions?

It requires well-draining soil. A mix of loam and sand with good organic matter is ideal to prevent root rot.

Is the Matchbox Bean suitable for cold climates?

No, it is a tropical to subtropical vine and is not frost-tolerant. It thrives in warm, sunny locations and should be protected from freezing temperatures.

How should I prune this vine?

Pruning is important for managing its vigorous growth. It can be pruned heavily in late winter or early spring to control size and shape, and to remove any dead or damaged branches.