Winged Bean
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
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Pl. 41AB — Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Psophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobusPsophocarpus tetragonolobus
IOverview
Overview
Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a perennial plant native to Tanzania and known for its versatile uses in the kitchen. This climbing vine can grow up to 2 meters tall and thrives in full sun with moist soil that ranges from light sandy to heavy clay. It is hardy in zones 8-12, making it suitable for warm climates. The winged bean is both edible and ornamental, offering a variety of parts for consumption including flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, seedpods, shoots, and stems. One distinctive feature of this plant is its quadrangular pods, which are a key characteristic in identifying the species.
Quick answers
What is Winged Bean?
Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a perennial plant native to Tanzania and known for its versatile uses in the kitchen. This climbing vine can grow up to 2 meters tall and thrives in full sun with moist soil that ranges from light sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Winged Bean thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in zones 8-12. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. This versatile plant offers edible parts including flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, seedpods, shoots, and stems.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Winged Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with winged beans by providing full sun, moist soil, and basic care for a rewarding first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a sunny spot in your garden, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant winged beans after the last frost when soil temperatures are above 18°C (65°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced about 30 cm apart; or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Provide light shade if temperatures are very high.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; fertilize with compost every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines as needed for support and remove dead leaves. Harvest young shoots, flowers, and pods when they are tender.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too early in cold soil, neglecting to provide support structures, and not harvesting regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeedSeedpodShootsStem
Edible uses: Oil, Coffee, Colouring
Other uses:Cover cropoilSoil reclamationNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Asia7 regions
introduced (7)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepal
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Honduras
Africa6 regions
native (1)Tanzania
introduced (5)CameroonCôte d'IvoireEgyptGhanaSierra Leone
Broader regions
introduced:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Caroline Is., Christmas I., East Himalaya, Florida, Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Marianas, New Guinea
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 41abdff4-a24b-4589-b67f-4d7a3b813fa2
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