Sea beans, also known as drift seeds, are the seeds of various plant species that float along the ocean currents, often traveling thousands of miles before washing up on distant shores. These fascinating seeds, which are commonly found along beaches and coastal areas, are highly prized by beachcombers, collectors, and botanists alike. While they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, sea beans belong to a relatively small group of plant species, each of which has its own unique characteristics.
In this article, we will explore the most common types of sea beans, how to differentiate between them, and the stories behind their long journeys across the seas.
What Are Sea Beans?
Sea beans are the seeds of plants that are adapted to survive the harsh conditions of the ocean. These plants produce seeds that are designed to float on the surface of the water, allowing them to be carried across vast distances by ocean currents. The seeds are often encased in tough, protective coatings, which help them survive the salty, watery environment.
Over time, the seeds may wash ashore on beaches all over the world, where they are collected by people interested in their natural beauty and uniqueness. Some sea beans are also known to have been used for various cultural and medicinal purposes, making them even more intriguing.
Common Sea Bean Species
There are many species of plants that produce sea beans, but the following are some of the most commonly found and recognizable varieties.
1. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Moringa beans are one of the most popular and widely known types of sea beans. Known for their nutritional value and medicinal properties, Moringa trees are native to parts of Asia and Africa, but their seeds can be found drifting across oceans.
How to Identify Moringa Sea Beans:
- Shape and Size : Moringa beans are oval‑shaped and have a cylindrical, somewhat elongated appearance. The average size is about 2 to 4 inches in length.
- Color : The outer shell of Moringa beans is typically a tan to light brown color, while the interior is a darker brown.
- Texture : The seed is hard with a smooth, glossy surface. It is often encased in a papery, fibrous outer shell.
2. Sea Heart -- Entada gigas
Sea hearts, also known as "Menehune beans" or "Giant Entada," are one of the largest and most striking types of sea beans. The Entada gigas plant is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, and its seeds are commonly found on beaches in those regions.
How to Identify Sea Hearts:
- Shape and Size : Sea heart seeds are round and large, often measuring 2 to 4 inches in diameter. The size of the seed is one of the easiest ways to identify this variety.
- Color : The outer surface of the seed is smooth and can range from light brown to reddish‑brown. The seed has a prominent "heart" shape, hence the name "sea heart."
- Texture : The texture is typically glossy, with a hard, smooth surface. The seed is often black or dark brown inside when broken open.
3. Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
Coconuts are not only a common sight on tropical beaches, but they are also a form of sea bean. While many people associate coconuts with the fruit of the coconut tree, the seeds that fall from the tree are also considered sea beans, as they are adapted to float on water.
How to Identify Coconut Sea Beans:
- Shape and Size : Coconuts are large, spherical seeds with a diameter ranging from 6 to 12 inches, though some smaller varieties may be found.
- Color : The outer shell of a coconut is brown and covered with fibrous material (the "husk"). The actual seed inside is white, but it's not visible until the husk is removed.
- Texture : The texture is rough, with a thick, hard outer shell. Inside, the seed is filled with a liquid and soft flesh (the "coconut water" and meat).
4. Mimosa (Mimosa pudica)
Mimosa sea beans come from the Mimosa pudica plant, which is native to the Americas but can be found growing in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. These plants produce small, round, and flat seeds that can float on water and are often collected along beaches.
How to Identify Mimosa Sea Beans:
- Shape and Size : Mimosa beans are typically small, measuring around 1 to 2 inches in diameter. They are flat, round, and disc‑shaped.
- Color : These seeds are typically dark brown to black with a smooth, shiny surface. Some varieties may have lighter, streaked patterns.
- Texture : The texture of a Mimosa seed is smooth, with a hardened, glossy shell.
5. Jack Bean -- Canavalia rosea
Jack beans are another common sea bean found along beaches. These seeds come from the Canavalia rosea plant, which grows in tropical coastal areas and is commonly found on beaches in South America, Africa, and Asia.
How to Identify Jack Bean Sea Beans:
- Shape and Size : Jack beans are kidney‑shaped and slightly flattened, typically measuring 1 to 2 inches in length.
- Color : The seeds are usually light to dark brown, with a smooth surface that may have slight variations in color.
- Texture : The surface is glossy, hard, and smooth, with a tough outer shell that protects the seed inside.
6. Balsa Seed (Ochroma pyramidale)
Balsa seeds are often found washed ashore from the tropical regions of Central and South America. The seeds come from the Balsa tree, which produces lightweight, flat seeds that are highly buoyant.
How to Identify Balsa Sea Beans:
- Shape and Size : Balsa seeds are flat and oval‑shaped, measuring around 1 to 2 inches in length. They are typically much lighter than other types of sea beans due to their low‑density structure.
- Color : The seeds are usually light brown to beige, with a thin outer membrane that can sometimes have a slightly translucent appearance.
- Texture : Balsa seeds have a delicate, paper‑like texture that makes them more fragile than other sea beans.
The Journey of Sea Beans
The journey of a sea bean is a remarkable one. Seeds from these plants are released into the ocean, often through natural processes like wind or rain. Once in the water, the seeds can float for days, weeks, or even months, traveling vast distances across the world's oceans. Some species of sea beans are known to travel from tropical regions of the Americas to the shores of Europe, Africa, or the Pacific Islands.
The ocean currents carry these seeds to new shores, where they may eventually wash up, providing a unique opportunity for beachcombers and collectors to find these natural wonders. Some of these seeds can even germinate and grow into new plants if they land in the right environment.
Why Sea Beans Matter
Sea beans are not just beautiful natural objects; they also play an important role in the dispersal of plant species. By traveling great distances across the seas, sea beans help plants colonize new areas and spread across vast regions. This natural form of seed dispersal is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in coastal and island ecosystems.
For collectors and hobbyists, sea beans provide a fascinating way to connect with nature and learn about the resilience and adaptability of plants. Whether they are used for crafting, jewelry‑making, or simply as a beautiful beach find, sea beans are a testament to the wonders of nature's design.
Final Thoughts
Sea beans are an extraordinary example of nature's ingenuity. With their ability to survive long ocean journeys and their diverse range of appearances, these seeds hold a special place in both the natural world and in the hearts of collectors. Whether you're a seasoned beachcomber or a casual enthusiast, knowing how to identify and appreciate the different types of sea beans enhances the experience of finding them on the beach.
By understanding the characteristics of these unique seeds, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the journey they undertake and the fascinating ways in which plants adapt to the challenges of the natural world.