How to Grow and Care for Deer-eye beans

The velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is a leguminous vine native to Asia that produces an edible bean, grown for both human consumption and for animal feed. In Indonesia, the bean is commonly eaten and fermented to produce a food similar to tempeh. The plant is, however, covered in orange hairs that cause the skin to itch upon contact.

Sea bean, a robust climbing vine, flourishes in tropical coastal regions where its large seeds dispersed by ocean currents foster widespread growth. Its distinct white-to-purple pea-like flowers hang in clusters, and the large, lustrous green leaves often feature a prominent silver-white underside, attracting various pollinators and providing a striking visual display.

Rusty-leaf muuna is a vine that produces masses of peculiarly shaped flowers. Different populations have evolved to attract different types of insects or arboreal mammals to aid in pollination. Once pollinated, rusty-leaf muuna produces round seed pods that float in water. The seeds contain antinutritional compounds that make them hazardous to consume.

Mauritius bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) is a useful tropical legume that is grown as green manure. It is also planted in fallow agriculture systems since it is able to fix nitrogen and enrich soils. In countries including Vietnam and Benin, it has been planted as a control against the invasive grass Imperata cylindrica. However, the plant itself is listed as invasive in Florida.

Mucuna sempervirens is a resilient, climbing vine with a striking presence. It is adorned with glossy, trifoliate leaves and pendant purple or white flowers that emanate a delicate aroma, attracting pollinators. The plant thrives in forested landscapes, utilizing its climbing habit to reach sunlight. Seed pods develop into dense, velvety legumes, aiding in both species propagation and habitat adaptation.