Lablab: Highworth
(Lablab purpureus)
Lablab purpureus is bean capable of growing in a wide range of climatic conditions and soil types, depending upon the variety chosen. It is widely cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics and occurs wild in tropical Africa (including Madagascar) and India. The palatability of lablab surpasses that of velvet beans or jack beans.
This variety was introduced to Australia from Southern India and was selected for early flowering, high seed yield, and high dry matter production. It has purple flowers and black seeds that are borne in non-shattering pods.