Winged Bean

Winged Bean Care

Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus

What is the plant

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is adapted to tropical conditions and is grown in Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, various Pacific Islands, and Africa. The tender pods are the most widely consumed part of the plant, especially throughout Asia, but the leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and tuberous roots are all nutritionally valuable and are used as food. Winged bean is another of the legumes with elevated seed oil content; varieties typically average 15% oil, with protein levels of 30–37%. The tuberous roots are a good source of energy in the form of starch, and they contain 8–10% protein.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

10a - 12

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Rainfall-well-distributed rainfall in excess of 150 cm per year is required and the plant thrives in areas with an annual rainfall of 250 cm or more. It can be grown as a dry season crop, provided that there is adequate irrigation and the water does not remain on the soil, as this tends to reduce the growth of roots and root tubers. Despite its perennial nature and extensive root-system, it does not survive prolonged drought, though drought-resistant cultivars are being developed.
Sunlight
Day-length-the winged bean requires short days for normal flower induction, since when grown under a long photoperiod there is excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers. Recent experiments have shown that there is an interaction between day-length and day/night temperatures; both flowering and tuberisation are inhibited in 16 hour days, but with 8 hour days tubers formed regardless of temperature, but flowering was dependent upon the temperature regime used.
Soil
Soil-the winged bean is not very demanding in its soil requirements, provided that there is adequate drainage. It cannot tolerate waterlogging or salinity. Well-cultivated, rich, sandy loams are best for optimum yields of pods; on clay soils the tubers are frequently small and lacking in flavour. It is frequently grown successfully in nitrogen-poor soils because of its exceptional ability to nodulate.

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Temperature
Temperature-it is a tropical crop resistant to high temperatures, grown between 20°N and 15°S latitude.
Popularity
19 people already have this plant 4 people have added this plant to their wishlists