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Image shows the clusters of beautiful dark purole and cream
flowers of Mucana pruriens |
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Mucuna pruriens
(Bengal Bean, Cow Itch, Itchy Bean, Nescafe, Velvet Bean,
Cowhage, Kapikachu) |
Family: Fabaceae (African violet relative)
Origin: Native to United States
Light: Full sun
Height: 6-30'
Spacing: 2-3'
Blooms: Clusters of dark purple and cream flowers in drooping
racemes, late Summer
Foliage: Green, trifoliate, gray, silky on the bottom
Fruits: 2-5 per cluster, curved, longitudinal seedpod containing
4-6 black ovoid seeds. Seed casing has barbed hair
Soil: Well-drained, loose
Water: Regular
Insect/Disease: Watch out for aphids
Propagation: Seeds (scarify and soak overnight)
Uses: Trellis, arbor, fences
Caution: The seed casing is densely covered with gray or brown
trichomes which can cause skin irritation or blisters
Comments: Mucana pruriens or Bengal Bean or Cow Itch or Itchy Bean
or Nescafe or Velvet Bean or Cowhage or Kapikachu is an interesting
annual vine that loves humidity
and can withstand a dry atmosphere or neglectful watering. It is a very
important medicinal plant in India as all parts of the plant is useful
for the traditional treatment of different ailments. The pods of
the Bengal Bean are used as a vegetable. Mucana pruriens looks
attractive by allowing it to climb up a tree or trellis or arbor or
fence. This lovely vine is a valuable nitrogen fixer.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8-11 |
