African Yam Bean
Sphenostylis stenocarpa
- Native to:
- Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Sphenostylis
- Species:
- Sphenostylis stenocarpa
- USDA Symbol:
- SPST8
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical Africa, prefers warm climates
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to improve germination.