A tropical drift seed, commonly called a sea bean. This
bean is, in fact, a seed produced by a giant legume, called a liana. The
Concise Oxford Dictionary defines “liana” as “a woody climbing plant that
hangs from trees, especially in tropical rainforests.” It uses its tendrils to
climb up its host tree—sometimes as high as 100 feet [30 m]
above the forest floor. This plant is widely distributed along coasts and
rivers in central and western Africa, Colombia ,
the West Indies, and Central America . In Costa Rica
Measuring up to two and a half inches [6 cm]
across, the seed starts its life in a huge pod hanging from its support tree.
This large seedpod can grow up to six feet [2 m] in length.
It is made up of rounded segments containing one seed each. These are separated
by a thin groove. As with many common beans, when the seedpod first forms, it
is soft and green. But as it ripens, the pod hardens, becoming dry and heavy.
It also turns brown and begins to look woody.
Eventually, because of its increased weight, the seedpod
drops off into the river or sea. As the pod floats away, its individual
sections break off. Now each seed with its protective casing starts its own
journey. Some seeds may get bogged down and grow in the mud along a riverbank.
Many, however, will float downriver, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles to
an estuary. If a seed journeys through groups of islands, a tide may catch it
and wash it onto a nearby beach. *Awake! 2004, Watchtower
Library CD Rom, Jehovah’s Witnesses*)
Origin: (French, Italian, Porteguese, Romanian, English)
Pronunciation: (lee-AHN-ah)
Gender: Female
I was looking up the name Lael *see on list of posts* and
I saw people liked this name too on the site I visited. As I am a fan of Eliana
*see on list of posts* and I intend to some day name a daughter Eliana I looked at
Liana and really like it. If I name a daughter Eliana then Liana would be a
cute nickname as I have been thinking about nicknames beyond Elle and Ellie. Of
course Liana and Elia tie for possible nickname possibilities for Eliana. :~)
As for Liana as a name in a novel I
would like to see it more often. It has a unique flare without being too odd.
It is generally pronounceable and has a very beautiful foreign-esque look which
I love.
Also it has a strong meaning as in
reference to a tropical vine. So as a baby name it could be given to a strong
little girl. The seeds of the vine travel on quite an interesting journey so perhaps
a little girl came into the parent’s life unexpectedly but pleasantly and is a
strong hardy little thing with a mind of her own.
