Vigna

( VIGG - nuh )

At-A-Glance Information

This large genus includes many plants that produce edible beans and flowers. They can take the form of vining herbs or subshrubs, and have green leaves. Flowers range in color from yellow to white to pinks and purples, and bloom generally from July through October.

Vigna Species and Varietals

The genus Vigna is a member of the plant family Fabaceae, and includes over 90 species. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Vigna aconitifolia (Mat Bean, Moth Bean, Matki, Dew Bean)
This drought-resistant species has edible sprouts, seeds, and pods and is commonly grown and consumed in India. They reach about 16 inches tall and produce creeping stems that grow along the ground and over structures. Flowers are yellow, fading to brown before producing a seed pod holding between 4 and 9 seeds. Seeds come in a variety of colors depending on the cultivar, including yellow-brown, white-green, and mottled with black. This species is considered somewhat difficult to harvest due to its creeping habit and foliage density.

Vigna angularis (Adzuki Bean, Azuki Bean, Red Bean, Red Mung Bean)
These annual (rarely biennial) vining plants are widely cultivated in East Asia, and produces a long bean pod with between 2 and 14 seeds each.

Vigna hosei (Sarowak Bean)
This perennial legume is native to low-lying tropical areas and enjoy growing in disturbed soils. These plants are commonly used as a cover crop in young tree plantations, and is used as an animal forage, as well.

Vigna luteola (Hairy Cowpea, Hairypod Cowpea, Nile Bean, Yellow Vigna)
This tropical short-lived perennial vine produces green to black-brown pods containing large black seeds. Pod twists and opens spirally when the seeds are to be dispersed.

Vigna mungo (Black Gram, Urad Bean, Urid Bean, Matimah, Matikolai, Mash Kalai, Maas/Kalo Daal, Uddu, Black Matpe)
These beans are commonly called Black Lentils (in their whole form) or White Lentils (cut in half, revealing the white interior). The annual plants can be shrubby to vining, have hairy green leaves and produce yellow flowers.

Vigna radiata (Mung Bean, Green Gram, Mungo Bean, Mongo Bean, Golden Gram, Jerusalem Pea)
This species of Vigna is cultivated mainly in East, Southeast, and South Asia, commonly used as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. It is an annual vine with fuzzy green stems and yellow flowers. Pods are fuzzy and greenish brown.

Vigna subterranea (Bambara Groundnut, Bambara Nut, Bambara Bean, Congo Goober, Earth Pea, Ground-Bean, Hog-Peanut)
This plant is native to western Africa, where it is a very important legume. Much like the Peanut, the fruits produced are harvested from under the soil, and can be eaten fresh or dried and boiled. They are also commonly ground fresh or dry to create a pudding snack.

Vigna trilobata (African Gram, Three-Lobe-Leaf Cowpea, Jungle Mat Bean)
Native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Afghanistan, and the Malay archipelago, this annual species has reddish green stems and green leaves that have three lobes. They are commonly seen as trailing, prostrate plants. Flowers are yellow and pods are green to brownish in color.

Vigna umbellata (Rice Bean, Ricebean)
This annual vine produces small beans that are commonly eaten by livestock and other grazing animals. Not a widely cultivated species.

Vigna unguiculata (Cow Pea, Cowpea)
These plants have a high tolerance for sandy soils and low rainfall, making them a resource-efficient choice. The seeds, pods, and young leaves and sprouts can be consumed as a protein-rich food source, commonly eaten by both humans and their livestock. Dried and ground, they are used to make curries and flour.

Vigna vixillata (Zombi Pea, Wild Cowpea)
This perennial climber is found in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Venezuela. Leaves are dark green, and flowers are pink, followed by green seed pods. The tuberous roots of these plants are eaten in their native range, along with young leaves, young pods, and seeds.