giant stock-bean
Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.
Canavalia ensiformis, known as giant stock-bean, is a species in the genus Canavalia of the family Fabaceae. It is cultivated for animal fodder and human consumption, particularly in Brazil where it is referred to as feijão-de-porco. The plant is also a source of concanavalin A. It is distributed across various regions, including Brazil, the United States, and several countries in Africa and Asia.
Description
Canavalia ensiformis is a legume native to tropical regions and is widely grown for its nutritional value and use in animal feed. It is found in diverse locations such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, and parts of the United States. The plant is notable for its role in producing concanavalin A, a lectin with applications in biochemistry. The species was first described in 1825. Despite references to type specimens, no formal typification has been accepted for this species. Common names include giant stock-bean and feijão-de-porco in Brazil.
Other common names
Jack beanhorse-beanjack-beanwonder-beangotani-beangiant stock-beanseaside-beansword-beanwonderbean
Distribution
BR · Reserva Nacional Natural Puinawai | Parque Nacional Natural Tinigua · TW · SC · CU · TD · BF · AR · IN · AO · PH · AU · GF · Galápagos Islands · Antioquia, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Meta, Putumayo, Quindío, Valle · MH · the Democratic Republic of the Congo · LA · GQ · conterminous 48 United States · Alabama · Andaman Is. · Angola · Argentina Northeast · Argentina Northwest · Arizona · Assam · Bangladesh · Belize · Benin
Synonyms
Canavalia ensiformis var. albidaCanavalia ensiformis var. truncataMalocchia ensiformisCanavalia gladiata var. leucospermaDolichos acinaciformisDolichos ensiformisDolichos pugioniformisPhaseolus virosusCanavalia stocksiiPsophocarpus cienkowskiiDolichos cienskowskiiDolichos cultratusDolichos mutabilisCanavalia gladiata f. leucocarpaDolichos pugioniformisCanavalia ensiformis var. coriaceaCanavalia ensiformis var. normalis
