Mung bean (Vigna radiata, Fl. Congo Belge 6: 286 (1954))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) R.Wilczek

Bibliography: Fl. Congo Belge 6: 286 (1954)

Year: 1954

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vigna

Vegetable: True

Observations: Arabian Pen., Taiwan to Trop. Asia and N. & E. Australia

Description

The mung bean, scientifically known as Vigna radiata, is a significant leguminous crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It holds a distinguished place in agriculture and cuisine across various continents. Originally described in the work “Flora Congo Belge” in 1954 by R. Wilczek, who identified it as a crucial species within the flora of the region.

Geographically, the mung bean has a broad native range, encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, Taiwan, tropical parts of Asia, and extending to northern and eastern Australia. This wide distribution underscores its adaptability to different climates and soil conditions, making it a versatile crop for both tropical and subtropical regions.

The mung bean plant is known for its small, green seeds that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a staple in many diets. It is particularly valued for its use in sprouts, which are an excellent source of essential nutrients and are commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries across various cuisines. Additionally, the seeds are often ground into flour or used to make a variety of traditional dishes, highlighting its culinary versatility.

Cultivation of mung bean is relatively straightforward, requiring well-drained soil and moderate watering. It is a short-duration crop, often maturing within 60 to 70 days, which allows for multiple harvests in a single growing season. This quick turnaround is beneficial for farmers, providing a resilient and profitable crop option.

The mung bean crop also plays an important role in sustainable agriculture. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it contributes to soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria. This natural fertilization process reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

In summary, the mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a highly valued crop with a rich distribution across the Arabian Peninsula, Taiwan, tropical Asia, and northern and eastern Australia. Its nutritional benefits, ease of cultivation, and role in sustainable agriculture underscore its importance both historically and in contemporary farming systems.

Common Names

Eng: mung bean, mung-bean, celera-bean, green-gram, mungo-bean, green gam, jerusalem pea
Por: feijão-da-china, feijão-mungo-verde, feijão-rajado
Swe: mungböna
Cym: ffa mwng, ffeuen fwng
Ben: ghora mung
Hin: mung
Som: salbuko-cagaar
En: Mung bean, Mung-bean, Celera-bean, Green-gram, Mungo-bean, Green Gam, Jerusalem Pea
Bn: Ghora Mung
Hi: Mung
Pt: Feijão-da-china, Feijão-mungo-verde, Feijão-rajado
So: Salbuko-cagaar
Sv: Mungböna
Cy: Ffa Mwng, Ffeuen Fwng

Synonyms

• Azukia radiata ((L.) Ohwi)
• Phaseolus radiatus (L.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• India (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Angola (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Christmas I. (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kazakhstan (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Kirgizstan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Manchuria (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Niger (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Oman (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Qinghai (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Somalia (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tibet (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Turkmenistan (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2020 by Campos Sabrina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Loselen Luari Jonanda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Arvind Kulkarni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Ozoda Saminova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2021 by Fabrício H (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Gutierrez Araisy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Gutierrez Araisy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Loselen Luari Jonanda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2982380)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:525492-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.9

Ph minimum: 6.0