Other Vegetables 293 



bean with few-seeded pods two or three feet or more 

 long. It has been long grown in the tropics and there 

 developed to its greatest perfection. Numerous attempts 

 have been made to introduce it into the cooler regions, but 

 it has not proven as successful there as in the subtropical 

 regions, although the vegetable has been produced as far 

 north as New York state. 



Planting and general treatment should be about the 

 same as in the case of cowpeas. A longer time is usually 

 required for the vegetable to mature. The succulent green 

 pods make a desirable vegetable when prepared like snap 

 beans or cowpeas. The dried beans are also used at times 

 for food . A considerable number of variations in this species 

 occur. 



HYACINTH BEAN (Dolichos Lablab] 



This is a climbing bean, the young pods being eaten 

 as string beans. There are several varieties. It is much 

 grown within the tropics, especially in India. Some of 

 the varieties generally known under this name are drought 

 resistant, thus forming a favorite vegetable in regions 

 where it is difficult to produce cowpeas and the legumes 

 belonging to this group. Owing to the fact that it has 

 been long in cultivation, it has led to so many varieties 

 that the name may be applied to a variety of plants. 



The general cultural methods employed for cowpeas or 

 string beans will be found useful for this crop and methods 

 of preparation for the table are the same. In the cooler 

 temperate regions this plant is often grown for ornamental 

 purposes, being attractive because of its splendid racemes 

 of flowers. 



