African Yam Bean

Sphenostylis stenocarpa

Physical Characteristics

Sphenostylis stenocarpa is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Guinea to Ethiopia and south to Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Immature seedpods - cooked and used as a vegetable[300 ]. The pods are up to 25cm long and 15mm wide[300 ]. Seeds - cooked[300 ]. Rich in protein, they are boiled and eaten as a vegetable, or added to soups etc[301 ]. The seed is about 9mm long[300 ]. Root - raw or cooked[300 ]. The white fleshed roots can be cooked like potatoes, which they resemble in taste[301 ]. They are rich in protein[301 ]. Leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable[300 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known