Overview

Mucuna pruriens var. utilis is a plant with a climbing habit in the genus Mucuna, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mucuna pruriens var. utilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include trellises, fences and conservatories.

About

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated. Its English common names include monkey tamarind, velvet bean, Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean, Yokohama velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, lacuna bean, and Lyon bean.

About the genus

Mucuna is a genus of vines and shrubs of the legume family Fabaceae: tribe Phaseoleae. It has a pan-tropical distribution and contains 112 accepted species as of July 2025. The genus was created in 1763 by French botanist Michel Adanson.

Wikipedia contributors, "Mucuna", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mucuna

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Mucuna

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Mucuna pruriens var. utilis size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Trellises, fences, conservatories

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Mucuna pruriens var. utilis

Propagation

Seed sowing, semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids, whiteflies

Disease resistance

Susceptible to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions