Common names include Monkey Tamarind, Mauritius Velvet Bean, Bengal Velvet Bean, Florida Velvet Bean, Yokohama Velvet Bean, Cowage, Cowitch, Itchy Bean, Lyon Bean, Buffalo Bean, Lacuna Bean.
About
Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tropical legume known for its multiple agricultural, medicinal, and soil-improving benefits. Native to Africa and tropical Asia, it has been widely cultivated across the world for green manure, forage, and soil rehabilitation. The plant is notable for its ability to suppress weeds, improve soil fertility, and enhance crop productivity. It produces long climbing vines, reaching over 10-15 meters, and thrives under warm conditions.
Velvet beans are valued for their high-protein seeds, which have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine for neurological and aphrodisiac benefits. The plant's deep-rooted system aids in soil stabilization and nutrient recycling. It is commonly used in intercropping systems under banana, coffee, coconut, and mango plantations, where it enhances nitrogen availability and organic matter content in the soil.
Applications and advantages
Soil Fertility & Nitrogen Fixation
Enriches soil with organic matter and fixes nitrogen (up to 50-75 kg N/ha), reducing fertilizer dependency.
Erosion Control
Deep root system binds soil, preventing erosion and improving soil stability.
Green Manure
Provides 20-30 t/ha of green biomass.
Agroforestry & Intercropping
Enhances soil fertility in banana, coffee, and coconut plantations.
Fodder & Forage
Serves as livestock feed due to its high-protein content.
Medicinal & Economic Value
Seeds are used in pharmaceuticals, particularly in treating Parkinson’s disease due to high L-Dopa content.
Weed Suppression
Suppresses invasive weeds, reducing herbicide dependency.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in low-water conditions, making it suitable for degraded lands.
