ABSTRACT
However, there is a long history of people eating many of the species in Canavalia. For example, C. ensiformis (horse bean, overlook bean, sword bean) is grown as a vegetable in tropical areas (Sauer 1964, Purseglove 1968, Herklots 1972). The young pods are sliced and eaten like French beans (Goodding et al. 1965). Alain and Leon (1946-1953) recognized six Canavalia in Cuba. Canavalia ensiformis is used for forage, and its fruits and seeds are edible; C. gladiata seeds are edible, and its foliage is used for fodder.
