Yam bean
Sphenostylis schweinfurthii
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A herb or shrub. It is erect and grows up to 1.7 m high. The stems and leaflets are hairy. The flowers are large and yellow. There are 2 subspecies.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in open savannah. It can grow in arid places. It has drought resistance.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Chad, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, Togo, West Africa
How it is used for food
The flowers are cooked and eaten as an attractive vegetable.
The flowers and seeds are occasionally eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, leaves, roots, tubers, flowers, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Adjadadjalmia, Mada, Sansongbe