Lablab purpureus is a species of bean in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and it is cultivated throughout the tropics for food.
Hyacinth Bean has been grown as food for the beans, flowers and leaves in Africa. Asia and the Caribbean. In this country, it has been used for used as forage, hay, and silage for cattle. It is also used to fix nitrogen in fallow land. Currently, the most common use in this country is as an ornamental crop in the cut flower industry. It is valued for its late summer flowers and colorful, purple peapods.
Hyacinth bean is a twining vine with purplish stems and can be grown as an annual vine in the home garden for the ornamental flowers and bean pods. Grow on a sturdy trellis to support the weight of the vine. It prefers light moist well-drained soils in sun. Plant after danger of frost has passed. It does well in hot humid climates.
