Vigna unguiculata subsp. pubescens

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A hairy climbing herb. It grows 1-2 m long. They are covered with white hairs. The leaves are compound with 3 leaflets. They are hairy on both sides. The central leaf is largest and 5-10 cm long. It can have 3 lobes. The flowers are pea shaped and purple. The fruit are erect pods. They are cylinder shaped and 5-8 cm long. They are covered with short hairs. There are 15-18 seeds. They are dark red and have black speckles.

Where it is found

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

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

The leaves are chopped and cooked alone or with other vegetables.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season. The seeds are collected during the early dry season. Dried leaves and seeds can be stored for several months.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Vigna pubescens R. Wilczek;