Lablab purpureus aka Hyacinth Bean
Taxonomy
Lablab purpureus, also known as hyacinth bean, is a species of bean in the Fabaceae family. Originally native to Africa, it is now cultivated throughout the tropics for its use as food. The plant is also grown for its ornamental value due to its eye-catching shades of purple found in the leaves, stems, flowers, and seed pods. This is a vigorous grower that can be frustrating to cultivate, as it may not flower until late in the season. The leaves are bright green and grow in leaflets of three, with purple-tinted stems and undersides. The flowers are pale purple and white, growing in loose clusters, and are followed by glossy purple pods that resemble snow peas but eventually fill out and plump up. Hyacinth Bean has been grown for food in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, but is now more commonly used as an ornamental crop in the cut flower industry. It is a twining vine with purplish stems and can be grown as an annual vine in the home garden for ornamental flowers and bean pods. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Lablab.
Common names
Hyacinth Bean, Lablab Bean, Japanese DelchosHow to care for Hyacinth Bean
Difficulty
Hyacinth Bean requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Hyacinth Bean should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Hyacinth Bean loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Hyacinth Bean requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Hyacinth Bean will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Hyacinth Bean to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Hyacinth Bean is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Region of origin
Hyacinth Bean’s native range is Probably originated in the Tropics but has been cultivated for so long that its origins are obscure.
More info:
Wikipedia
