Vigna lobatifolia

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a climber and can keep growing from year to year. It has a deep fleshy taproot. The leaves have 3 leaflets and the end leaflet has 3 lobes. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves. The seeds are brown.

There are about 150 Vigna species. They are mostly in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can grow in dry sandy soils. It grows between 300-450 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, Southern Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

The root tubers are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Roots, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Muyimbo, Ombibio

Synonyms

Vigna dinteri Harms;