Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Willd.) Ohwi & H.Ohashi
Bibliography: J. Jap. Bot. 44: 29 (1969)
Year: 1969
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vigna
Vegetable: True
Observations: Nepal to S. China and N. Indo-China, Taiwan, C. & S. Japan
Description
The Adzuki bean, scientifically known as Vigna angularis, is a leguminous plant native to East Asia and the Himalayan region, with its roots stretching from Nepal to Southern China and Northern Indo-China. Additionally, it has a prominent presence in Taiwan, Central and Southern Japan.
This esteemed member of the Fabaceae family is highly cherished for its small, reddish-brown seeds that have been a staple in the culinary traditions of East Asian cultures for centuries. The beans are often used in sweet dishes, including the renowned red bean paste found in various desserts, and savory dishes, valued for their nutritious profile.
The Adzuki bean is not only significant for its culinary versatility but also for its agricultural benefits. As a leguminous plant, it contributes to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making it a valuable crop in sustainable farming practices.
First described in detail in the 1969 publication of the Journal of Japanese Botany by botanists Ohwi & H.Ohashi, the Adzuki bean has since been studied extensively for its nutritional benefits and adaptability to different environmental conditions.
From a botanical perspective, the Adzuki bean plant typically features a climbing or semi-erect habit with trifoliate leaves and small, yellow flowers, which eventually give way to slender pods containing the prized beans. Its cultivation has expanded globally, supported by its reputation for health benefits, such as being a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a popular choice among health enthusiasts and in vegan diets.
In summary, Vigna angularis stands out not only for its cultural and nutritional significance but also for its contribution to agricultural sustainability, securing its role as a precious legume in various parts of the world.
Common Names
Eng: adzuki bean, adzuki-bean
Por: feijão-adzuki, feijão-azuki
Spa: frijol-adzuki
Fra: haricot-adzuki
Jpn: yabu tsuru azuki
En: Adzuki bean, Adzuki-bean
Fr: Haricot-adzuki
Ja: Yabu Tsuru Azuki
Pt: Feijão-adzuki, Feijão-azuki
Es: Frijol-adzuki
Synonyms
- Dolichos angularis (Willd.)
- Dolichos angulatus (Willd.)
- Azukia angularis ((Willd.) Ohwi)
- Phaseolus nipponensis (Ohwi)
- Vigna angularis var. nipponensis ((Ohwi) Ohwi & H.Ohashi)
- Phaseolus atsuki (Siebold)
- Phaseolus angularis ((Willd.) W.Wight)
- Azukia angularis var. nipponensis ((Ohwi) Ohwi)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Japan (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- China North-Central (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Inner Mongolia (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Manchuria (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Primorye (introduced)
- Qinghai (introduced)
- Sakhalin (introduced)
- Tibet (introduced)
- Xinjiang (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Fritatta Tiramisù (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2982508)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:525291-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H.Ohashi)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb, Vine