The characteristic feature of this family is fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into the roots. The plant in turn absorbs much of the nitrogenous products which transfixes into proteins, vitamins and other nitrogen-containing compounds. This bean is otherwise called as Goa W i n g e d b e a n Supermarket on a stalk bean, Manila bean, four angled bean and princess bean and in Malayalam, it is popularly known as Chathurapayar/ Irachipayar.

  Winged bean is a herbaceous perennial but can be grown as an annual. It is a climber and its wiry stem has a tendency for twining. The twining vines require support from the beginning itself. Yield is poor without staking. Most of the cultivars grow to a height of 3-4 metres, if supported well. Stems are green to purple in colour. Leaves are trifoliate.

  The inflorescence ranges from white to deep purple in colour. Pods are green to pink red in colour, long and four cornered. Pods are rectangular or....