Vigna dalzelliana
(O. Kuntze) Verdc.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaVigna dalzelliana is a perennial herb with yellow flowers that commonly is used as fodder. The plant is poorly understood and was previously confused with its relative Vigna minima.
Description
A climbing herb. It can be 3-4 m long. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are 2-5 cm long by 1.2-3.8 cm wide. The fruit are pods 4-5 cm long. There are 8-10 seeds. The seeds are brown.
Edible Uses
The seeds can be used in the same way as Vigna radiata. The seedpods are 30 - 56mm long, containing 8 - 10 seeds. The uses of Vigna radiata are as follows:- Mature seed - cooked or sprouted. The dried seeds are boiled and used in a wide range of ways. For example, they can be eaten as a vegetable, added to soups and stews or they can be fermented into Indian dishes such as idli. The seed is often also sprouted and either used in salads or cooked. The seed is split in two, then fried and eaten as a snack. The seed can also be ground into a powder and used in making dishes such as starch noodles, biscuits, bread etc.
Traditional Uses
The seeds are used like green gram.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam,
Cultivation
The plant often has a creeping habit and can form new roots from stem nodes. This species is considered to be a crop wild relative of green gram (Vigna radiata) and black gram (Vigna mungo). This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Other Uses
The plant usually creeps over the ground, rooting as it goes. It is excellent for soil conservation.
Notes
There are about 150 Vigna species. They are mostly in the tropics.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Dau A-re, Mungavaine, Mugavel, Ranmug
References (6)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 676
- Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. p 110
- Flora of Pakistan. www.eFloras.org
- Kew Bull. 24:558. 1970
- Kew Plants of the World On line
Show all 6 references Hide references
- Pham-Hoang Ho, 1999, An Illustrated Flora of Vietnam. Nha Xuat Ban Tre. p 960
