Bay Bean (Canavalia maritima/rosea)

Bay Bean is another exotic botanical curiosity and an amazing plant for making incense, especially when blended with other incense herbs. There seems to be many stories surrounding this plant, and it was considered important and sacred enough to be placed in graves in and around the area by the Mazatec people of southern Mexico and other tribal groups. This alone indicates an importance for this plant in ritual that goes beyond decoration, as the dried leaves are not pleasing to the eye (though their smell is absolutely lovely).

Natives claim that it fell out of favor a long time ago, but with no thoughts as to why. We are continuing our search for information about this plant. With such a wide range, there must be knowledge of its use in ritual somewhere.

Botanical name: Canavalia rosea; synonym, C. maritima (Fabaceae or Legume family)

Common names: Bay Bean, Beach-bean, Jack-bean, Maunaloa, Puakauhi, Wonderbean, and Friol de Playa.

Bay Bean is a very fast-growing and sturdy vine which can be found all over the coastal regions around the Gulf of Mexico, including the Yucatan. As a pan-tropical plant, it can be found in tropical and subtropical coastal locations in many parts of the world. Its wide range makes it even more curious that little is presently known about it. Bay Bean can be found snaking its way to the ocean from shrubby shorelines and coastal shrub. It sets down roots at nodes as it trails across beaches and dunes, the roots forming networks that aid in stabilizing sands. The plant prefers warmth and can tolerate periods of drought, but definitely likes full sun and the beach!

This product is not intended or sold for ingestion by humans or animals. It is sold only for use as an incense or for smoking. WARNING: Smoking anything, including herbal products of any kind, are harmful to the body.