what kind of plant is the magic bean, The one they burn a message into with a laser and sell in stores?

Answer 1

From one site that sells them I found this:

"They really are magic! The bean plant grows once the can is opened and watered, and amazingly a message appears on the bean as it grows. We couldn't believe it would work, but it did! Their appeal is obvious, everyone that sees them wants one of their own.

The bean stalk emerges within days of the 10 cm can being opened and watered. As the bean appears a hidden message is revealed, written on the plant itself. Eventually the message falls away but the bean stalk (Canavalia Ensiformis or Jack Bean) continues growing at an astonishing rate."

The two links below give you information about the plant and photos of it fully grown. An article I read said there are two manufacturers of these "magic beans", so I don't know if they are both using the same bean -- this is the only one I could find that had an actual botanical reference. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Are you talking about a Mexican jumping bean?
That's actually a worm inside the bean hull.
Here's a link

Answer 3

I believe it's a soybean.