Australian-pea, Dolichos-pea
Dipogon lignosis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A twining shrub or climber. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 4 m long. The stems are slender. The leaves have 3 leaflets. They are 4 cm long. The flowers can be white, pink or purple. They are in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are straight pods. They are 4 cm long.

Where it is found

It grows in warm temperate regions. It needs a light to medium, well-drained soil. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The young seeds are eaten fried or cooked and salted. The green pods are eaten cooked. The dried seeds are also cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, pods

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ballar, Okie bean

Synonyms

Dolichos capensis Thunb., nom. illeg.; Dolichos gibbosus Thunb.; Dolichos lignosus L.; Verdcourtia lignosa (L.) R. Wilczek;