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Nicker Bean (Entada gigas)

Entada gigas, commonly known as Nicker Bean, is a vigorous woody vine recognized for its large, flat seed pods containing substantial seeds.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining, fertile soil. Tolerates sandy or loamy conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures between 20-30°C.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Bright, indirect light is ideal indoors.

Water

Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Reduce watering in cooler months.

Soil

Well-draining, fertile soil. Tolerates sandy or loamy conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures between 20-30°C.

Protect from frost.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Reduce feeding in autumn and winter.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Category

Foliage, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

10-15 m

Spread

5-10 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound, bipinnate

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 · Mar
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths66
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths66
Synonyms
Entada gigalobium DC.
Entada planoseminata (De Wild.) G.C.C.Gilbert & Boutique
Entada umbonata (De Wild.) G.C.C.Gilbert & Boutique
Mimosa gigas L.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderFabales
  • familyFabaceae
  • genusEntada
  • speciesEntada gigas
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.

Prune to control size and shape, and to remove any dead or overgrown branches. Best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Easily propagated from seeds, which often require scarification or soaking to improve germination. Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants.

Repot young plants annually or when root-bound. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years into a larger container with fresh potting mix.

FAQs

How do I germinate Entada gigas seeds?

Scarify the hard seed coat by nicking it or soaking in hot water for 24 hours to improve germination rates. Plant in well-draining soil and keep warm and moist.

What is the best way to support Entada gigas?

As a vigorous vine, it requires a strong support structure such as a sturdy trellis, pergola, or arbor to climb on.

Can Entada gigas be grown indoors?

Yes, it can be grown indoors as a houseplant if provided with ample bright, indirect light, warmth, and support for its climbing habit.

Why are my Entada gigas seeds so large?

Entada gigas is known for having some of the largest seeds in the plant kingdom, which are adapted for dispersal by ocean currents.

How often should I water my Nicker Bean vine?

Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.