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Image shows the clusters of beautiful dark purole and cream
flowers of Mucana pruriens or
Bengal Bean
More breath-taking blossoms of Velvet Bean or Cowhage hanging
from the arbor in Jenny's Garden |
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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, sandy, drought tolerant
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. In late
Summer, exotic clusters of deep purple and cream flowers appear hanging
from the vine. Mucana pruriens is easily propagated from seeds.
It is sun-loving and thrives well in well-drained sandy soil.
Plant Mucana pruriens on trellis or arbor and at bloom time, it is
jaw-dropping to see bunches of these gorgeous velvety blossoms that are
a foot or more long hanging down from the roof of the terllis.
Mass plant Bengal Bean for a spectacular living fence. The sight
of these gorgeous blossoms will stop traffic instantly. Cow Itch
is a very
important medicinal plant in India as all parts of the plant is useful
for the traditional treatment of different ailments. Nescafe pods are
cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Kapikachu is a valuable nitrogen fixer.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8-11 |
