About this variety
Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean, Cowhage, Kapikachhu) Seeds
Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as Velvet Bean, Cowhage, or Kapikachhu, is a fast-growing tropical legume revered for its medicinal properties, nutritional value, and soil-enhancing abilities. Native to Africa and Asia, this climbing plant produces long pods covered in velvety hairs, containing seeds rich in protein and bioactive compounds. It is widely used in traditional medicine, agroforestry, and animal fodder.
Characteristics
Velvet Bean is a vigorous climber, reaching lengths of up to 15 meters when supported. It produces trifoliate leaves and purple or white flowers, which develop into elongated, hairy pods containing 3–6 shiny, hard seeds. The seeds can be black, white, or mottled, depending on the variety. Known for its adaptability, Velvet Bean thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, tolerating poor soils and drought conditions.
Uses and Benefits
Velvet Bean is highly versatile, offering benefits in agriculture, medicine, and nutrition:
• Medicinal Uses: The seeds are rich in L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, and are used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for treating Parkinson’s disease, improving mood, and enhancing libido. They also have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
• Culinary Applications: Seeds are consumed after proper processing (soaking, boiling) to reduce anti-nutritional factors. They are used as a protein-rich food source in certain cultures.
• Animal Fodder: The plant’s leaves and pods are an excellent source of protein for livestock.
• Soil Improvement: As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Velvet Bean improves soil fertility, making it ideal for crop rotations and intercropping.
• Weed Suppression: Its dense foliage shades out weeds, acting as a natural cover crop.
Cultivation
Velvet Bean is an adaptable and low-maintenance crop, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Soil Preparation: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.0–7.5. Add organic compost or manure to enrich the soil.
• Sowing: Plant seeds at a depth of 2–3 cm, spacing them 50–70 cm apart in rows or mounds. Provide support like trellises for climbing growth.
• Germination: Seeds germinate within 7–10 days under warm, moist conditions.
• Growth Conditions: Requires full sun and moderate watering. Velvet Bean is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in temperatures between 20–35°C.
• Harvesting: Pods mature within 120–150 days. Harvest when the pods are dry and brittle. Handle with care, as the hairs on the pods can cause skin irritation.
Unique Features
Velvet Bean is prized for its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, and medicinal uses. Its adaptability to poor soils and resilience in challenging conditions make it a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture.
Growing Tips
Rotate crops annually to maintain soil health. Harvest pods promptly to prevent seed scattering and regrowth. Use gloves when handling pods to avoid irritation from the velvet hairs.
Shipping
Available for shipping within India and worldwide. Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 weeks.
From Deodar Seeds Company.
Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as Velvet Bean, Cowhage, or Kapikachhu, is a fast-growing tropical legume revered for its medicinal properties, nutritional value, and soil-enhancing abilities. Native to Africa and Asia, this climbing plant produces long pods covered in velvety hairs, containing seeds rich in protein and bioactive compounds. It is widely used in traditional medicine, agroforestry, and animal fodder.
Characteristics
Velvet Bean is a vigorous climber, reaching lengths of up to 15 meters when supported. It produces trifoliate leaves and purple or white flowers, which develop into elongated, hairy pods containing 3–6 shiny, hard seeds. The seeds can be black, white, or mottled, depending on the variety. Known for its adaptability, Velvet Bean thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, tolerating poor soils and drought conditions.
Uses and Benefits
Velvet Bean is highly versatile, offering benefits in agriculture, medicine, and nutrition:
• Medicinal Uses: The seeds are rich in L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, and are used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for treating Parkinson’s disease, improving mood, and enhancing libido. They also have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
• Culinary Applications: Seeds are consumed after proper processing (soaking, boiling) to reduce anti-nutritional factors. They are used as a protein-rich food source in certain cultures.
• Animal Fodder: The plant’s leaves and pods are an excellent source of protein for livestock.
• Soil Improvement: As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Velvet Bean improves soil fertility, making it ideal for crop rotations and intercropping.
• Weed Suppression: Its dense foliage shades out weeds, acting as a natural cover crop.
Cultivation
Velvet Bean is an adaptable and low-maintenance crop, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Soil Preparation: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.0–7.5. Add organic compost or manure to enrich the soil.
• Sowing: Plant seeds at a depth of 2–3 cm, spacing them 50–70 cm apart in rows or mounds. Provide support like trellises for climbing growth.
• Germination: Seeds germinate within 7–10 days under warm, moist conditions.
• Growth Conditions: Requires full sun and moderate watering. Velvet Bean is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in temperatures between 20–35°C.
• Harvesting: Pods mature within 120–150 days. Harvest when the pods are dry and brittle. Handle with care, as the hairs on the pods can cause skin irritation.
Unique Features
Velvet Bean is prized for its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, and medicinal uses. Its adaptability to poor soils and resilience in challenging conditions make it a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture.
Growing Tips
Rotate crops annually to maintain soil health. Harvest pods promptly to prevent seed scattering and regrowth. Use gloves when handling pods to avoid irritation from the velvet hairs.
Shipping
Available for shipping within India and worldwide. Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 weeks.
From Deodar Seeds Company.
