Botany
Erect, annual herb branching at the base, clothed with spreading brownish hairs. Leaves are long-petioled, compound, with three leaflets that are ovate and entire, broad based with pointed tips, 8 tto 15 cm long, the lateral ones inequilateral. The flowers are yellow, about 1 cm long, arranged near the end of the short stalks. THe pods are linear, hairy, spreading, 6 to 8 cm long, about 8-10 mm wide. The seeds are 4-6 mm in length.

Chemical constituents and properties
Seeds are high in carbohydrate (>45%) and protein (>21%); fair source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and B. deficient in vitamin C.
Sprouts are a good source of vitamin B.
Seeds are tonic and aperient.

Distribution
Cultivated throughout the Philippines.

Uses
Culinary
Extensively used in Philippine cuisine, in salads or boiled, in soups or stews.
Folkloric
Decoction of seeds as diuretic.
The seeds, boiled or raw, used in poultices.
Roots are thought to be narcotic, used for bone pains.
Seeds, internally and externally, used for rheumatism and a variety of nervous system ailments.
The seeds are used for hemorrhoids and liver afflictions.
Powdered beans used to promote suppuration.
Seeds used in anorexia.

Availability
Wild and cultivated.