Horse Eye Bean


Mature Horse Eye Beans [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.



Painting of Horse Eye Bean Pods, Leaves

Buying:

  The whole beans are erratically available online, in very small numbers at high prices. Most commonly they are drilled for use as beads. Okobo powder can be found online at around 2021 US $4.99 for 4 ounces, plus shipping.

Health & Nutrition:

  The seed pods and sometimes leaves of this plant are covered in stinging hairs which cause severe skin problems from contact. The hairs break off after piercing the skin. Suggested treatment for removing the hairs is Duct Tape, and soap and water. If hairs get into the eyes they can cause blindness, so immediate medical attention is essential.   Watercolor copyright expired.

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