Lablab

Lablab or Lablab purpureus is a species of bean in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and it is cultivated throughout the tropics for food. English language common names include hyacinth bean, bonavist pea, dolichos bean, seim bean, lablab bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Indian bean, bataw and Australian pea.

Description

The Lablab plant is a perennial, but it is often grown as an annual. The plant is variable due to extensive breeding in cultivation, but in general, they are short-lived, deep-rooted, nitrogen-fixing, soft-wooded, erect or climbing shrubs. They grow to 2–3 m (7–10 ft) tall and have trifoliate leaves. The leaflets are ovate and are 3–15 cm (1–6 in) long. The leaflets have a pointed tip, and the base is broad. The leaves have a fringe of hairs along the edges. The stem and branches are usually covered in tiny hairs.

Cultivation

Lablab is a common food crop in Africa and Asia. It is often used in traditional dishes. The beans are used in curries, salads, and stews. The young pods are consumed as a vegetable. The flowers are sometimes eaten. The plant is also used as fodder for animals, and it is used as a cover crop and as a green manure.

Uses

In addition to its use as a food crop, Lablab has a number of other uses. It is used in traditional medicine in several cultures. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens for its attractive flowers and pods.

See also

• List of vegetables
• List of legumes
• List of edible flowers

External links

• CABI Invasive Species Compendium datasheet

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  Lablab purpureus by Steve Hurst