Hyacinth Bean, Lablab Bean
Synonym: Lablab purpureus
Family: Fabaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-24 USDA: 10b-11 or annual Frost Tolerance: Cold sensitive, does not take any frost, better grown as annual in most of the USA (including Phoenix) Heat Tolerance: Perfectly happy in very hot weather Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Asia or maybe tropical Africa Growth Habits: Short lived perennial or annual twining vine, up to 30 feet long in frost-free areas. Watering Needs: Needs good drainage, does better with regular watering, but is fairly drought tolerant Propagation: Seeds |
The hyacinth bean is a very decorative vine that grows rapidly, likes Phoenix summer heat and can be used as a vegetable. It is also called Egyptian Bean, Pharao Bean, Bonavist Bean, Chinese flowering Bean, Shink Bean, Val Bean, Wild Field Bean, and Indian Bean.
The complete plant is edible but the dried seeds are toxic and should be well cooked in two changes of water. The young leaves can be eaten in salad, the older leaves can be cooked. The flowers are edible raw. The tuber and the young beans should be boiled.
'Ruby Moon' is a cultivar with purplish leaves.
Blooming Habits:
The brightly colored pink flowers are scented and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There is a white-flowered variety.
Fruiting Habits:
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