--- On Sat, 7/12/08, Rajesh D. Sachdev <rajeshd...@gmail.com> wrote:
The Jequirity, also called Crab's Eye, Rosary Pea, 'John Crow' Bead, Precatory bean, Indian Licorice or Saga Tree (Abrus precatorius), is a legume with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves. It is also known as Gunja in Sanskrit and some Indian languages. Their seeds are often used as beads and in percussion instruments. The seed is highly poisonous but is unlikely to harm if swallowed raw and unbroken, as they have a hard seed coat.
The seeds of Abrus precatorius are much valued in native jewelry for their bright coloration. The third of the bean with the hilum (attachment scar) is black, while the rest is bright red, suggesting a ladybug. Jewelry-making with jequirity seeds is dangerous, and there have been cases of death by a finger-prick while boring the seeds for beadwork. However, it has long been a symbol of love in China.--
With regards,
J.M.Garg (jmg...@gmail.com)
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