Giant Sea Bean (Gila)

The giant sea bean is a huge woody climber of the legume family that can grow over a hundred metres long. It bears enormous pods up to two metres in length containing large, hard, dark brown seeds that can survive long periods floating in seawater. It grows in forests of India, including the Western Ghats.

Known in Ayurveda as Gila or Gilla, the seed has traditionally been used in external preparations, including hair washes and pastes for joint comfort.