RICE BEAN

(Vigna umbellata)  Asian heirloom also known as 'Climbing Mountain Bean' or 'Mambi Bean'.  So named as the small seeds resemble grains of rice.  Climbing vine to 1m high with yellow flowers & small, edible beans harvested when young for use in Asian cooking.  Dried bean and foliage also used as a fodder crop.  Left to dry, the mature seeds may also be eaten with rice or used as a rice substitute in stews & casseroles.  Very hardy plant and tolerant of dry, infertile soils.  Frost sensitive.  The roots of the plant reach up to 150cm so is useful in breaking up hard soils.  40-60 days. 60 seeds