riddhi :

Taxonomical Classification

Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Vigna
Species: Vigna cylindrica

VERNACULAR NAMES

English: Black beaned seeds

Synonyms

Synonyms in Ayurveda:

Cultivation:

A plant of the tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2,000metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 25 - 35°c, but can tolerate 15 - 40°c. It can be killed by temperatures of -1°c or lower

. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 500 - 1,500mm, but tolerates 300 - 4,100mm
Succeeds in full sun and in light shade. Plants can grow in a wide range of moist but well drained soils. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7.5, tolerating 4 - 8.8. Established plant are moderately drought tolerant
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

Propogation:

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow 1 - 3cm deep in situ. The seed germinates best when the soil temperature is above 21°c

PHARMACOLOGY:

Important formulations

1. Manasamitravatakam

General Use:

The seed is diuretic[

240

]. It is used to strengthen the stomach. When boiled and eaten as a food it is considered to destroy worms in the stomach

The crushed leaves are used in a poultice to heal and bond broken bones