【Naming】

Sword Bean Shell

 【Source】

Yilin Zuanyao (Essentials of Medical Forest)

 【Frequency of Use】

E

 【Origin】

It is the pericarp of the legume plant Sword Bean Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.

 【Characteristics】

The dried pericarp has a twisted and thick fruit stalk. The pod is sword-shaped, slightly spirally twisted or broken, up to 30cm long and about 4.5cm wide. The apex is pointed and slightly curved. The outer surface is yellow to dark yellow, with wrinkles, scattered black spots, sparse short hairs, and obliquely arranged white fine stripes. The inner surface has a white spongy substance. Unopened pods have a rib each at the ventral and dorsal sutures. The pericarp is fibrous.

 【Identification】

The best quality is one that is long and large, intact, yellow on the outside, and white and free from insect damage on the inside.

 【Category】

Seeds