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Description
Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus, also known as Winged Bean or Goa Bean, is a tropical legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia, but it has been introduced and cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The plant is grown for its edible seeds, flowers, leaves, and pods, which are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Psophocarpus |
Appearance
Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus is a climbing or trailing plant that can reach up to 3 meters in height. The plant has compound leaves that are trifoliate, with each leaflet being ovate or elliptical in shape and measuring up to 15 cm long and 12 cm wide. The flowers are white, pink, or purple, and they are arranged in clusters of 4-8 on long stalks. The fruit is a pod that is 15-30 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with four wings that give it a square cross-section. The seeds are small, oval, and light brown in color.
Care Guide
Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus is a relatively easy plant to grow, provided that it is given the right conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal.
- Sunlight: Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus thrives in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but it can be grown as an annual in colder regions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and die. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Mites: These tiny arachnids also suck the sap from the plant, causing it to become yellow and stunted. Use a miticide to control them.
- Fungal Diseases: Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus can be affected by various fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot. Use a fungicide to treat them.
Habitat
Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in tropical rainforests and humid lowlands. The plant prefers warm and humid conditions, with temperatures between 20-30°C and high humidity. It can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers sandy loam or clay loam soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the nutritional benefits of Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus?
A: Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus is a nutrient-dense plant that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The seeds are particularly high in protein, with a content of up to 35%.
Q: Can Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Use a well-draining potting mix and provide the plant with regular water and fertilizer.
Q: How long does it take for Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus to mature?
A: Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus can start producing pods and flowers within 60-90 days after planting, depending on the growing conditions.
Q: Is Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus a perennial or an annual?
A: Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus can be grown as both a perennial or an annual, depending on the climate and growing conditions. In warm and humid regions, it can grow as a perennial, while in colder regions, it is grown as an annual.
Related Plants
- Vigna unguiculata
- Vigna radiata
- Pisum sativum
- Cajanus cajan
- Glycine max
References
- “Psophocarpus tetragonolobus.” Plantz Africa. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/psophocarptetra.htm.
- “Winged Bean.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/wingedbean.html.
- “Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.” The Plant List. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/ild-51083.
