Florida Forest Plants

Nickerbean (Caesalpinia bonduc)

Nickerbean, sometimes called gray or yellow nicker, is a vinelike, tropical shrub that grows in coastal areas including scrub, hammocks, beaches, and mangroves. Nickerbean is a common plant of coastal hammocks and mangroves in south Florida and the Keys. It can grow as far north as central Florida but is found in no other part of the continental United States. Nickerbean does  

Twigs, leaves, and fruit

grow in the Bahamas, West Indies, Virgin Islands, and Hawaii.

Nickerbean bark has been used to treat malaria and the young leaves of this plant have been used to ease the pain of toothaches. The smooth, shiny, gray seeds are commonly found floating in the water of coastal areas. West Indies natives call the seeds "warry stones" or "pet rocks" and carry the seeds around with them or wear them as necklaces. Children in the West Indies often play games with the seeds and this continued handling makes the shiny seeds even shinier. Children value these seeds for their brilliant shine.

A similar species is the yellow nicker, Caesalpinia major, also found in south Florida and the Keys. This yellow nicker has relatively larger leaflets and its seeds are yellow.

 Identifying Characteristics
Size/Form:
 Nickerbean is a reclining shrub with thorn covered branches that often climb over other vegetation. It can spread aggressively, reaching lengths of 20'.
Leaves:
 The opposite, persistant, bipinnately compound leaves have 4 or more pairs of leaflets. The leaves are 15 inches or longer. The ovate or oblong leaflets are 1" to 2" long and shiny green.
Fruit:
 The long, spiny, reddish brown pod can be up to 4" long and 2" wide. The ripe, dry pods split open to reveal 1 or 2 gray, smooth, oval, hard seeds that are ¾" wide.
Stem:
 The stem is 1/3" thick and is covered by spines.
Habitat:
 Nickerbean is found in coastal areas including scrub, hammocks, beaches, and mangroves and prefers open areas but can grow in the shade.


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