Photographer: Ed Finney, Sarasota, Fla.

Feels Like Fall NEXT | START OVER | PREVIOUS Abrus precatorius or Rosary Pea or Indian Licorice or Jequirity Bean. This is not a native, but it grows very well in the wild from Central Florida south. It is often used for making jewelry because the scarlet and black beans have a hard, smooth surface and are very attractive — but deadly. The beans are extremely poisonous and the vine is invasive, unattractive and thorny. It can climb to the top of a 40-foot tree in one season. I found this one growing in the shrubs bordering a drainage canal which passes through our area. Submit a picture. Copyright © 2005 Consolidated Publishing Co.