Lablab purpureus, Dolichos lablab

Twinning vine for a trellis or a fence. Hyacinth bean is widely grown in Southern Asia and Africa where the ripe seeds and the green pods are used for food. Pods and seeds edible if thoroughly boiled, changing the water several times. Pods and seeds are toxic if large quantities eaten. The plant is similar to the Southern pea, but the vines are longer and tougher. When the plant is supported, it often has a vine 20-25 feet long. Leaves are broad, oval and pointed.

Similar plants:

• Mucuna pruriens, Carpopogon pruriens, Dolichos pruriens, Mucuna aterrima (Nescafe, Cowitch, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine)