Entada rheedii AFRICAN DREAM BEANS (3 seeds)

Entada, also known as Dream Seed, African Dream Herb, or Sea Heart, is a giant woody vine from Africa belonging to the Fabaceae family. This climbing liana can reach several dozen meters in length at maturity.

Dream Herb Seeds are very large, heavy, and round or sometimes oval in shape; they are often shiny and black or dark brown. These are very large specimens, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter and weighing between 10 and 30 grams each. They disperse via the ocean and wash up on beaches, which is the origin of the name "Sea Heart."

Entada features foliage made of large, compound, pinnate leaves with several oval leaflets. The leaflets have a smooth texture and regular margins, giving the plant an elegant, tropical appearance. Its flowers generally appear in panicles. They are small, tubular, and white or cream-colored with touches of yellow.

Its fruit is a large, woody capsule in the form of an elongated pod, which can reach 80 to 100 centimeters in length. When it matures, the capsule opens to release its large seeds.

- Uses:

Sea Hearts were named "African Dream Seeds" by African shamans because, once ground into powder, they allow one to enter an altered state of consciousness.
Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects; cultivate solely for the preservation of the botanical species.

In ethnic jewelry, they are frequently used to create necklaces and other "good luck" charms. In Europe, they are used for massages and other body care treatments.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The period for sowing African Dream Herb begins in June and lasts until early August.
• It is strongly recommended to scarify the seeds before planting (file or cut a small piece of the shell until the cotyledon is visible) without damaging the interior.
• Soak them for 12 hours in lukewarm water to activate germination.
• Plant them 2 to 3 cm deep in a pot 10 to 20 cm in diameter using potting soil.
• Keep the culture warm at a temperature near 30°C. Germination generally begins within 2 to 4 weeks.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Entada prefers soil rich in organic matter that drains well. A light mixture of garden soil, a little sand, and compost will ensure optimal growth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This exotic vine appreciates full sun for maximum development, though it prefers to have its "feet" (the base of the plant) in the shade. It also tolerates semi-shaded conditions, but flowering and growth will be superior in a sunny location.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Native to tropical regions, it is sensitive to frost. It grows very quickly in warm temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. In colder climates, it is advisable to grow it in a pot and bring it indoors during the winter.

- Watering / Water Requirements:

Wawa requires regular watering during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In summer, it enjoys constant humidity but cannot tolerate waterlogged roots.

- Propagation:

Propagation is mainly done by seed or by cuttings. Semi-ripe stem cuttings taken in a greenhouse during the summer are a successful way to multiply the plant.