Guar
Cyamopsis tetragonolobafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 70E6 — Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Cyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis tetragonoloba
IOverview
Overview
Guar, scientifically known as Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, is a perennial plant native to India, Pakistan, and the West Himalaya. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium-textured soils. Growing up to 2 meters tall, guar is valued for its edible parts, which include leaves, seeds, and seedpods. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in a wide range of environments, from arid to more humid areas, making it a versatile crop in regions with varying climatic conditions.
Quick answers
What is Guar?
Guar, scientifically known as Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, is a perennial plant native to India, Pakistan, and the West Himalaya. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium-textured soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Guar thrives in full sun and prefers light to medium soil that is well-drained. It can tolerate dry conditions but also benefits from moist soil during the growing season. This perennial plant grows up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the ground after the last frost. The edible parts include leaves, seed, and seedpods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Guar for the first time
8steps
Guar is a straightforward plant for beginners, requiring full sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune seedpods as they turn brown, and harvest leaves for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Gum, Stabilizer
Other uses:FilterCover cropGumNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 23 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 3 native· 23 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (2)IndiaPakistan
introduced (8)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndiaNepalSri LankaVietnamYemen
Africa9 regions
introduced (9)CameroonChadEthiopiaMaliMozambiqueSierra LeoneTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Nauru
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya
introduced:Jawa, KwaZulu-Natal, Nicobar Is., Trinidad-Tobago, Zaïre
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
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 70e68a8d-2ae2-4fb0-b97a-80f8a748ee20
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