Page 14 - ARUBA TODAY

A14 LOCAL
Tuesday 17 december 2019

Evil eye bean or Bonchi Hojada
Episode XLVIII (48)

ORANJESTAD — The difference between Ormosia coccinea (known as
‘Huayruru’) and Abrus precatorious, known in Aruba as ‘Bonchi Hojada’,
is that Ormosia coccinea or huayruro is the largest seed in the graph and
Abrus precatorius or bonchi hojada is the little one.

The Huayruro seeds are used for new- good luck charm with no ill intention,
born babies and young children as as long as you don’t eat your good
amulets as a protection against bad luck charm seeds (warn others and
spirits. They are put around their hands keep away from the kids or your pets).
since they are unable to remove The research seems to suggest they
them and take them to their mouth. are just beautiful adornments.
As soon as they begin to grow these
are removed and stored in a place Aruba has its Abrus precatorious or
outside their reach. Huayruro seeds Bonchi Hojada.
used on the body are harmless and Abrus precatorius is a vine native to
do not cause contact poisoning or India and other tropical and subtropi-
proven allergies. cal areas of the world, it is a slender,
perennial climber with long, pinnate-
Ormosia coccinea is a plant that leafleted leaves that twines around
grows throughout South Eastern North trees, shrubs, and hedges. Since intro-
American countries, and all through- duction to Florida and the Caribbean,
out South America. It produces beau- it is now commonly found throughout
tiful red seeds with one black spot these areas and in the southern Unit-
covering one-third of its surface. ed States.
These seeds are used for jewelry and It is known by a variety of names, in-
other decorative purposes. The seeds cluding jequirity bean, rosary pea,
are poisonous if eaten. and prayer bead, crab’s eye, and
love bean. The vine has pods with
The seeds are known as Wayruru Ay- oval seeds and a hard glossy shell. The
mara also spelled huayruro, huayruru, seeds vary in color, from red, black,
in Peru where villagers believe them orange or white with black and white
to be powerful good luck charms centers). While all parts of the plant
and nene or chumico in Costa Rica. are toxic, the highest concentrations
A name also known in the French are found in the seeds. Due to their
American colonies is panacoco, but appearance, the seeds are often
this more often applies to Swartzia used for jewelry, beadwork and orna-
tormentosa, another plant carrying ments.
these kinds of red and black seed. Abrus precatorius is a poisonous plant
which contains one of the most lethal
If you are concerned regarding origin, toxins, Abrin, a toxalbumin that inhibits 2- huayruro baby bracelet
you can may take them to an ethno- protein synthesis causing cell death.
biologist for verification. The seeds are crushed and taken
If you believe your seeds are Ormo- orally for suicidal purpose. There is no
sia coccinea you have been given a antidote for this poisoning.

3- (Huayruru) Ormosia coccinea
4- Huayruro size Continued on Page 15