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Silent seafarers 
While the people of the world are going about their daily lives, these beautiful Sea Hearts, or Entada Gigas, are floating on the seas. They never know where they are going to land and put roots into the earth. 
They are so watertight that they can float on the sea for two  years. Millions of Sea Hearts  float on the sea at any one time.
Giant plants
 These Sea Hearts are the seeds of a giant bean plant called Entada Gigas. The stalk of the Entada Gigas plant grows very quickly. It can grow  30 metres in 18 months. 
The Entada plants grow by climbing up trees in tropical forests. The stem of the Entada can grow up trees 30 metres  high. Then it branches out to the tops of other trees. The stem  is used by monkeys, snakes, lizards and many other animals of the forest. This why it is known as the 'monkey ladder'.
Uses
Sea Hearts have many medicinal uses. They can be ground to treat inflammations. They are also used  for constipation, snake bites and stomach complaints.  
In Norway and Northern Europe the shells of the seeds were used for snuff boxes, match boxes and lockets.  
 Gerald  Sullivan of Texas runs a competition to see who has the largest Sea Heart. So if you find a big  one on the shore, consider sending it to him.  See his details on www.seabean.com/guide/Entada-gigas
Long seed pods
 The seed pods of the Entadas are also very long. They are the longest of all plant bean pods. They can reach lengths of one to two metres.  
When dry  they become  brittle. They break open and release the seeds. The seeds are usually washed down by rain to the rivers which  take them out  to the sea. Then their seafaring journey begins.
 Habitat
 The Entada plants grow in the United States,  Africa, China and Northern Australia, plus many small islands as well. Christopher Columbus set out on a journey to find out where the Sea Hearts came from. He found America instead.
 Sea Hearts are usually about six centimetres across and look like wooden hearts. They have a pocket of air inside which keeps them afloat on the sea.
Traditions
There are many traditions and beliefs about these Sea Hearts. Because they come from the sea, some people think they are from their ancestors. Some consider them to be lucky for love.
 Now do this
 1 How are the Sea Hearts spread around the world?
 a. By people
 b. By wind
 c. By water 
 2 How tall can the bean stalk grow?
 a. 10 metres
 b. 30 metres
 c. 100 metres  
 3 Is the seed of Entada Giga plant poisonous?
 a. Yes 
 b. No
 c. Only if it is cooked 
 Answers:
1. c, 2. b, 3. b



Float with the Sea Hearts