Unusual Mucuna Seedpods and Frog at Rio Viejo, Puriscal

Nature installed an incredible display of unusual tropical seedpods on our property where the Rio Viejo and Rio Coco merge. I have seen these pods before, but never in a quantity like this and in an area that is convenient for photography. 

The woody vine is a type of Mucuna of the Fabaceae family. The large seedpods (around six inches long) contain seeds known as seabeans. I read they have medicinal properties and can even be eaten in times of famine. The seeds are also used for jewelry. 

The background in the photos is the colorful rock/dirt wall of the river. I took some pictures and after reviewing them on the computer I determined there were more things to photograph before the pods open and the seeds get washed away in the river. 

I took the camera on a morning walk with Spencer. When we got to the river I inspected the first seedpod cluster and was very surprised to find a frog! The seedpods hang from a long stem and are about five feet off the ground. The frog either jumped to the location or climbed down the long stem. He looked calm sitting there and I didn't want to cause too much stress so I took a few photos and moved on.