Lablab purpureus (Hyacinth Bean)

Native to Africa and Madagascar, this vigorous herbaceous climber has twining stems that are often purple. The compound leaves have three broad leaflets, and upright flower clusters carry pink, purple, or white pea-like blossoms. Flattened seed pods may be straight or slightly curved, with green or purple surfaces. The plant has long been cultivated as a pulse crop and as forage, and ornamental forms are grown over supports. It has been introduced widely beyond its native range. Its roots help fix nitrogen in the soil. Mature dried seeds contain toxic compounds and require thorough boiling with several changes of water before eating. Photographed in Colombia.