Phasemy bean
Macroptilium lathyroides

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows 1.5 m high. It can grow each year from seed or take 2 years to complete its life cycle. The leaflets are narrowly oval and 3-8 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. They can be hairy underneath. The flower stalk is 15-40 cm long with flowers in pairs in the upper part. The pods are 6-10 cm long by 2-3 mm wide. They are hairy. There are 18-30 seeds. They are 3 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Argentina it grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Antilles, Argentina, Asia, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Caribbean, China, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Indochina, Marquesas, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tuvalu, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Dau dieu

Synonyms

Phaseolus lathyroides Linn.;