The seeds from a rosemary pea plant add a bit of color when used in rosaries and jewelry. Red in color with a black spot on one end, the plant also goes by the name "crab's eye."
Origin
The rosemary pea plant, Abrus precatorius, is native to tropical areas and is quite common in the African regions and in India. People traveling to those areas have taken the plants to other regions.
Description
This plant wraps itself around trees and shrubbery and produces small flowers that are violet in color. Three to five of the red seeds will emerge from each of the flowers.
Uses
Rosemary pea plants supply the ingredients for medicinal treatments. Tea made from the leaves is used to treat fevers, coughs and colds. The roots of the plant are used to treat jaundice and gonorrhea. The seeds are made into into a paste that is used to relieve stiffness in the shoulders and back.
What's in a Name
According to PlantzAfrica.com, the botanical name, Abrus precatorius, comes from the Greek word abrus and means delicate, while precatorius means "to petition." The plant has many common names, such as crab's eye, rosemary pea plant, rosary pea and precatory bean.
Warning
While the rosemary pea plant has many medicinal uses, it is also quite poisonous. If swallowed, the seeds cause burning in the throat, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. If the burning continues, it can lead to lesions in the mouth and esophagus.
Tags: Abrus precatorius, plant many, rosemary plant, rosemary plant, used treat