ABSTRACT
Velvet bean, a native to southern Asia, has been introduced into the Western Hemisphere via Mauritius. Velvet bean, commonly known as Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean, Yokohama velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, lacuna bean, Lyon bean, donkey eye, monkey tamarind and buffalo bean, is a widely naturalized and cultivated species, belonging to the family Fabaceae, which includes approximately 150 species of annual and perennial legumes. Velvet bean is an exceptional plant, as it is a good source of crude protein, essential fatty acids, starch and certain essential amino acids. Velvet bean is a popular medicinal plant, which has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of many diseases including Parkinson's disease. Velvet bean having taproot system is a direct-seeded crop, thus, requires well-prepared seedbeds free from weed seeds. Velvet bean becomes ready for harvesting as soon as the pods start turning their colour from green to dark brown.
