Psophocarpus grandiflorus

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a climbing plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 5 m long. It may have tuberous roots. The stems have flattened hairs. The leaves have 3 broad leaflets. The flowers are large and purple or pale blue. The pods have wings. The seeds are large.

There are 9 Psophocarpus species. It can get the rust fungus (Synchytrium psophocarpi)

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Congo it grows between 1,600-2,300 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda

How it is used for food

The leaves and pods are boiled in water or milk then eaten. The mature seeds are roasted and eaten.

It is occasionally cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, pods, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mgoraorwe, Muhululatu

Synonyms

Psophocarpus palustris sensu Westphal;