| Scientific name | Coix lacryma-jobi L., primarily Coix lacryma-jobi var. lacryma-jobi |
|---|---|
| Other names | Job's tears, bead grass, bead seed, Job's pearl, adlay |
| Appearance | Very small, extremely hard, smooth, and glossy plant husk, oval to slightly elongated in shape, naturally pierced at its tip. It contains the true fruit and its seed |
| Odor | None when the husk is dry |
| Color | Pearl white, gray, light brown, dark brown, or black depending on maturity and variety |
| Parts used | Whole hard involucre, primarily used as a natural bead in prayer beads, rosaries, necklaces, and ritual objects |
| Origins | Indian subcontinent, southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia; the species was subsequently introduced to many tropical regions |
| Toxicity level | Low through simple handling. The hard forms intended for rosaries and ritual practices are not marketed as food and must not be ingested. Keep out of reach of young children due to the risk of choking |
