Vigna caracalla (L.) Verdc.
Frost-tender, fast growing, evergreen, twining perennial climber with 3-palmate leaves and erect axillary racemes, to 30cm, of coiled, snail-like, pink, white or yellow flowers in summer to winter, followed by green bean-shaped fruit. In parts of Europe and Africa the beans are eaten as a substitute for the kidney bean. To 8m [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Native of India. Cultivated in the garden at Hampton Court, as long ago as 1690. We are obliged to Mr. Herbert for the sample for our drawing. It was part of a plant which flowered last autumn in the hothouse at Spofforth. We believe the species is not now often found in our collections. Miller tells us that it is much cultivated in Portugal on account of the fragrance and beauty of the flowers. [BR f.341/1819].
‘Having been one of the first exotics cultivated in this country, it has lost much of its attraction in recent times.’ [Gard. Chron. 1844]. MB p.267/1843. ABR pl.391/1804.
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.744/1857].
Notes
Published Dec 24, 2009 - 02:28 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 02:36 PM
Vigna caracalla (L.) Verdc. | BR f.341/1819 | BHL
| Family | Fabaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Tropical South America |
| Synonyms |
Phaseolus caracalla L. |
| Common Name | Corkscrew flower, Snail bean, Snail flower |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Phaseolus Caracalla |
| Confidence level | high |
