Vigna vexillata var. youngiana
(L.) A. Rich, F. M. Bailey
Wild cowpea
gbif· cc-by-nc
Adrian Gale
gbif· cc-by-nc
Adrian Gale
gbif· cc-by-nc
Adrian Gale
Summary
Source: WikipediaVigna vexillata, the Zombi pea or wild cowpea, is a variable, perennial climbing plant that is pantropical, found in regions such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.
Description
A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It can lie along the ground or be climbing. The flowers are purple or blue.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The plant is a very important food crop in several areas, such as Namibia, where it is commonly harvested from the wild for local use. Its use has spread beyond its native range and the plant is now sometimes cultivated for its edible tubers. It is also grown as a green manure and ground cover crop, especially in poor soils. The root is consumed raw or cooked. The tubers have a soft, easily peeled skin and creamy flesh. They are boiled or roasted and are particularly rich in protein. The young leaves, young pods, and seeds are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Australia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG,
Notes
There are about 150 Vigna species. They are mostly in the tropics.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | 71.7 | — | — | 2 | — | 5 | — | — |
References (3)
- Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 247
- Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 453
- Queensland Agric. J. 17:162. 1906
