Phaseolus caracalla - seeds

The Corkscrew Flower is a plant from the Bean family (Fabaceae) whose general appearance is quite similar to climbing beans. Phaseolus caracalla or Vigna caracalla is a fast-growing climber distinguished by the spiral shape of its flowers, which have earned it the common names of Corkscrew Flowers or Snail Bean. The name Caracole Bean comes from the Spanish word "caracol" which means snail.

Native to the tropical zone of South America, the Corkscrew Flower is a tender perennial plant that prefers temperatures above 15°C (59°F) to thrive. It can be grown as an annual plant in open ground or in a pot to be brought indoors in a greenhouse, conservatory, or a bright room in the house for winter.

Its evergreen foliage is composed of 15 cm (6in) long, medium green, palmate leaves. Its twining stems wrap around their support (to be provided at the time of planting) and can reach up to 6 m (20ft) high and spread up to 2 m (7ft) wide.

The 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) flowers are pink, white, or yellow. They have a butterfly-like shape and a curious spiral form. The flowers are borne in axillary clusters that are 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12in) long and appear from July to September, longer if the weather is mild.

The flowers are followed by fruits like beans. The pods are 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7in) long and have an almost round cross-section. The 'beans' are eaten in South America.

This unique plant will be perfect for creating an exuberant exotic decoration in the garden or on the terrace and balcony.