Vigna
( VIGG - nuh )
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 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 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. |
Caring for acalypha
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Acalypha plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:
- Aphids
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page
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