tonka bean, black-skinned, aromatic, almondlike single seed from the pod of any tall leguminous tree of the genus Dipteryx in the family Leguminosae (pulse family) of tropical South America. It contains coumarin, a fermented substance that has a vanillalike aroma and is used as a vanilla substitute and in the manufacture of perfumes, sachets, soaps, tobacco, and food. The name of the bean also appears as tonqua bean and tonquin bean. Plants producing tonka beans are classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Rosales, family Leguminosae. These beans are used for all forms of good luck, be it in finances, love, health or anything else. They can also help keep your spirits up during difficult times. Sometimes the oil from the tonka plant is used, but it`s most commonly the beans. Tonka beans are a common item in Voodoo magick.