Sword Bean
Canavalia gladiatafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. D934 — Canavalia gladiata
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IOverview
Overview
Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to regions including Nepal, Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, and Hainan. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It has a height of up to 10 meters and is both an annual and perennial, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range. Known for its edible seeds and seedpods, Sword Bean is cultivated for its nutritional value, contributing to local diets in Southeast Asia and the Himalayan region. One distinctive feature of this plant is its long, sword-like leaves, which give it its common name.
Quick answers
What is Sword Bean?
Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to regions including Nepal, Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, and Hainan. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sword Bean thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This plant grows up to 10 meters tall and is both annual and perennial. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Harvest the edible parts—seeds and seedpods—for consumption.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Mature size
10.0 m tall
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Sword Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with Sword Bean for a simple, rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Sword Bean seeds, small pots or direct planting area, water can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; containers should be at least 30 cm deep for good growth.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep, or start indoors in small pots before transplanting after germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist; provide full sun to partial shade for best growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every few months with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth and remove dead leaves; harvest pods when they turn yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune for shape.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedSeedpod
Edible uses: The sword bean's seed and seedpod are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. The pods are often prepared by boiling or stir-frying. Seeds are typically roasted or ground into flour. Both parts are commonly consumed in the plant’s native regions of Nepal, Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, and Hainan.
Other uses:Cover cropSoap makingGround coverNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 12 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 12 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 18 native· 12 introduced
Asia18 regions
native (11)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmarNepalTaiwanThailandVietnam
introduced (7)BangladeshChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmarTaiwan
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya, Panamá, Nicobar Is., Hainan
introduced:Panamá, East Himalaya, Nicobar Is., West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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