Oxyrhynchus volubilis
Brandegee
Frijol monilla
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) CARLOS VELAZCO, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by CARLOS VELAZCO
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Carlos G Velazco-Macias, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A climbing herb of the bean family (Fabaceae) found in tropical regions. It is a perennial vine that continues growing year after year.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
Seed - cooked. The seedpods are 4 - 6cm long, 2 - 3cm wide and 1 - 2cm thick, containing 2 - 3 seeds 10 - 15mm long and 10 - 14mm in diameter.
Traditional Uses
The seeds are cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Mexico, North America, USA, West Indies,
Cultivation
Oxyrhynchus volubilis is native from the warm temperate zone of southern USA to the tropics of eastern Mexico and the Caribbean. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria called Rhizobia. These bacteria form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen, plants may fail to flourish due to the absence of the appropriate Rhizobium species. Some of the nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Other Uses
The seeds are used as marbles in children's games.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Wal pooy
References (3)
- ILDIS Legumes of the World http:www:ildis.org/Legume/Web
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 599
- Kew Plants of the World On line