Dolichos lablab (Bonavist, Dolichos bean, Egyptian bean, Hyacinth bean, Lubia bean, Seim bean, Indian bean)

Botanical Information

FamilyPapilionaceae
GenusDolichos
Specieslablab
CategoryPerennials
OriginTropical Africa, and widely cultivated in India, South-East Asia, Egypt, and Sudan.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Pods and seeds are edible.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-7 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)20 - 30
Height6 m
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA fast-growing, short-lived climber that is grown for its edible pods and seeds.
LandscapeCultivated as a vegetable, but also has great value as an ornamental plant.
PropagationPropagate by seed in early spring.
CultivationPrefers a well-drained soil with a high organic content and a pH of 5.5-6.0. A stake or other support is recommended. Harvest 70-120 days after sowing, storing in a cool area at 90% humidity, or preserve by salting.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionStems are usually twining.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are trifoliate, with leaflets growing to 15 x 15 cm.
Flower DescriptionInflorescence to 40 cm, with white or purple flowers in clusters of 5.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is sweet, growing to 15 x 5 cm, with 3-6 rounded, slightly flattened seeds.

Photographs