Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Dipogon lignosus (L.) Verdc.

Half-hardy perennial twining climber with attractive purple-pink flowers in decorative clusters of 3-6 blooms during summer.  To 3m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Rumphius informs us, that the seed-vessels of this plant are a common food throughout India, eaten as our French or kidney beans are, to which however he observes, that they are far inferior. […] This plant, so far from requiring a stove, is hardy enough to bear our ordinary winters, when placed against a wall in a sheltered part of the garden.’  Introduced to Europe by Mons. Thouin in 1776.  [BM t.380/1797].  

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [H.98/1843].

Notes

Dolichos lignosus Jacq. = Dolichos jacquini DC.

Published Dec 17, 2009 - 04:13 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 11:54 AM

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Figured is a twining climber with clusters of purple-pink flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.380, 1797.

Dipogon lignosus (L.) Verdc. | BM t.380/1797 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

Probably Asia, but naturalised on the Iberian Peninsula
Synonyms
  • Dolichos lignosus L.
  • Verdcourtia lignosus (L.) R.Wilczek 
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Dolichos lignosus 
Confidence level high