Bansimba
Lablab purpureus
📖 About this plant
Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab — hyacinth bean or ‘Bansimba’ in Odia, also called Sem) is a climbing herb of the Fabaceae family. The plant produces edible green-purple pods and seeds eaten as a vegetable. The plant is extensively cultivated in tropical India and is drought-tolerant.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Full sun
Regular; moderately drought-tolerant
Moderate
15-38°C
Well-draining loam
Compost annually
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Indian Subcontinent
- 📏 Max height
- 10-20 m
- 📐 Spread
- 4-6 m
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White-yellow
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- 40+ years
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seeds
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic
Common issues
- Leaf spot, caterpillar defoliation
💡 Care tips
- Plant in well-draining soil with appropriate light. Tolerates Indian tropical conditions.
