Ape's ear-ring
Havardia pallens

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-9 m tall. It has spiny stipules. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate and have leaflets. The flowers are in clusters 15 cm long. They are white.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows near rivers and ponds.

Countries/locations it is found in

Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

The green beans, anthers and bulb are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Beans, seeds, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Huajillo, Tenaza

Synonyms

Acacia nuceiana Buckley; Calliandra pallens Benth.; Feuillea brevifolia (Benth.) Kuntze; Havardia brevifolia (A. Gray) Small; Havardia nelsonii Britton & Rose; Pithecellobium pallens (Benth.) Standley; and others