Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
gigantea
ID:
183108

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Willd.) DC.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1825

Citation Micro:
Prodr.2: 405 (1825)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000182437



Common Names

  • Mucuna gigantea
  • Giant Velvet Bean
  • Giant Cowitch


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Synonyms

  • Dolichos giganteus Willd. [valid]
  • Stizolobium giganteum (Willd.) Moon [valid]
  • Dolichos gigantea Willd. [unknown]
  • Carpogon giganteus (Willd.) Roxb. [unknown]
  • Carpopogon giganteum (Willd.) Roxb. [unknown]
  • Stizolobium giganteum (Roxb.) Kuntze [unknown]
  • Negretia gigantea (Willd.) Oken [valid]
  • Carpopogon giganteus (Willd.) Roxb. ex Lindl. [unknown]

Description

Mucuna gigantea (also called 'Giant Velvet Bean', among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to tropical America and Africa. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas. It has a twining stem and pinnate leaves with two to four leaflets. The flowers are yellow and the pods are flat, hairy, and contain two to four seeds.

Uses & Benefits

Mucuna gigantea is used as a food source and for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a cover crop and for soil erosion control.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Mucuna gigantea sub. gigantea
Mucuna gigantea sub. tashiroi (Hayata) H.Ohashi & Tateishi

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Mucuna gigantea has small, yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are large and black. The seedlings have two pairs of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Mucuna gigantea can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Division should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The divisions should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist.

Where to Find Mucuna gigantea

Mucuna gigantea is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It can be found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in open fields.

Mucuna gigantea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Mucuna gigantea?

Mucuna gigantea

What type of plant is Mucuna gigantea?

It is a perennial herb

Where is Mucuna gigantea native to?

It is native to Central and South America

Species in the Mucuna genus

Mucuna argyrophylla, Mucuna holtonii, Mucuna rostrata, Mucuna urens, Mucuna elliptica, Mucuna mitis, Mucuna mollis, Mucuna mutisiana, Mucuna coriacea, Mucuna ferox, Mucuna flagellipes, Mucuna gigantea, Mucuna glabrialata, Mucuna melanocarpa, Mucuna poggei, Mucuna pesa, Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna sloanei, Mucuna stans, Mucuna urens, Mucuna killipiana, Mucuna sempervirens, Mucuna birdwoodiana, Mucuna macrocarpa, Mucuna diabolica, Mucuna reptans, Mucuna bodinieri, Mucuna membranacea, Mucuna pacifica, Mucuna novoguineensis, Mucuna platyphylla, Mucuna pallida, Mucuna warburgii, Mucuna humblotii, Mucuna manongarivensis, Mucuna paniculata, Mucuna championii, Mucuna interrupta, Mucuna macrobotrys, Mucuna hainanensis, Mucuna lamellata, Mucuna cyclocarpa, Mucuna calophylla, Mucuna bracteata, Mucuna gracilipes, Mucuna monosperma, Mucuna oligoplax, Mucuna revoluta, Mucuna stenoplax, Mucuna thailandica,

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Carl Ludwig Willdenow (1765-1812): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Willd.' in the authors string.
Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1778-1841): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'DC.' in the authors string.