[Horse-eye Bean,
Hamburger Bean (English). Ojo de Venado (Mexico); Eye Yeux de Bourrique,
Grand Pois Pouilleux (French); Okobo (Nigeria); Mucuna sloanei]
This climbing shrub is native from Siera Leone in West Africa east to D.R. Congo in central Africa, and as far south as Angola
. It is also now found in the Caribbean, at the southern tip of Florida and in the American tropics. It favors part shade with moist but well drained humus rich soil.This bean is usually gathered in the wild, but it is cultivated in Nigeria, especially for young pods that are cooked like a vegetable. Mature beans are ground to powder for use as a thickener in soups and stews.
The photo specimens averaged 0.970 inch diameter and 0.660 inch thick (2.46 x 1.67 cm) and weighed 0.15 ounce (4.35 gm).More on Beans, Peas and Lentils.
