Rice Bean

Vigna umbellata

Native to:
Bangladesh, China, Hainan, India, Japan, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, New Guinea, Pakistan, Philippines, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Vigna
Species:
Vigna umbellata
USDA Symbol:
VIUM2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to tropical and subtropical regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
5–14 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm soil without pretreatment. Optimal soil temperature 20-30°C.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI