Abrus precatorius L.

02480465
The Flora and Ethnobotany of Long Island, Bahamas
Willard Sherman Turrell Herbarium (MU)
Species	Abrus precatorius	Au: L.
Family	Fabaceae
Common Name Licorice
Description	Herbaceous vine with curly fruits that have scarlet seeds baring a
black dot. Flowers are pink.
Location/Habitat Found between Lower Deadmans' Cay and Dead Man's Cay settlements,
growing in the back yard of Kendall's house, on Constitution Drive, on
way to DMC Airport.
Latitude	23° 10’22” N	Longitude 75°06’02” W
Uses/Comments The seeds are highly toxic if ingeseted. When the seeds are green, they are
stung and used as beads. One medicinal application involved making a
decoction with the foliage and bathing in it for fever and pain in the limbs.
Collectors)	Laurel Richey
Collection No 98-316 Duplicates 5 Date December 12, 1998
Plants Dried Using a Kerosene Heater
Vouchers for Laurel Richey's PhD Dissertation
02480465