Dew Bean

Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Maréchal

Vigna aconitifolia, a drought-resistant legume, is widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of India and is known by several common names, including Dew Bean, mat bean, moth bean, and matki.

Description

Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Maréchal is a species in the genus Vigna, family Fabaceae. It is a drought-tolerant legume adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The plant is native to and cultivated in regions including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is also found in Eritrea, Yemen, and parts of East and West Himalaya. Known as Dew Bean, it is valued for its resilience in dry conditions and is an important food and forage crop in its native range. The species was published in 1969.