Common Name:

General Information

Vigna khandalensis is an erect, branched, annual plant producing 1 - 2 primary stems near the base and growing around 130 - 240cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food - mainly in times of shortage, though the plant is also cultivated locally as a food crop in western India[].
Vigna khandalensis is noted to be rare, which implies a small population and possibly a small area of occupancy, although this could not be accurately calculated. The threats to the habitat within the range of this species are ongoing and the habitat is also fragmented. The population is inferred to have suffered a decline, although this is difficult to quantify. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, ?Karnataka, ?Tamil Nadu)

Habitat

Hilly forests, usually in open situations often on slopes; at elevations from 150 - 1,200 metres[]. Roadsides, hilly slopes, pond sides and near human settlements[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[]. Eaten in times of famine[]. The seed contains around 48% carbohydrate, 24% protein and 5.5% lipids[].

Both unripe and mature seeds of this species are cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw[].
The cylindrical seedpods are around 59mm long and 5mm in diameter, containing around 8 seeds that can each be up to 4mm ilong and 3mm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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