The genus Canavalia consists of about 50 species of flowering tropical vines in the legume family (Fabaceae). Members of the genus are commonly known as “jack-beans.” In the coastal strand or lowland vegetation of some Micronesian Islands, more than one native (and/or alien) creeping vine species of Canavalia are found These include: C. rosea (syn. C. maritima, C. obtusifolia), which has pink to magenta flowers, C. cathartica (syn. C. microcarpa), which has pink to purple flowers, and C. sericea (which has dark pink flowers). All three of these Canavalia species are closely related vines found, for example, in the Marshall Islands.

We focus mainly on Canavalia rosea and its uses in Micronesia; however, note – the identifications Canavalia for islands described are tentative and need further study.