Definition

Noun: 1. A leguminous plant (Vigna aconitifolia): A drought-resistant, annual, trailing herb native to South Asia, characterized by hairy foliage, small yellow flowers, and cylindrical pods containing small, oblong seeds. 2. The edible seed of this plant: A small, yellowish-brown bean used as a food source, often dried and cooked.

Usage

• The moth bean is a crucial crop in arid regions due to its hardiness.
• Farmers in Rajasthan cultivate moth bean for both human consumption and animal fodder.
• After harvesting, the moth beans are dried and stored for later use.

Advanced Usage

• As a soil conditioner: The plant is valued in agriculture for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for subsequent crops.
  • Planting moth bean as a cover crop helps condition the soil naturally.

Variants and Related Words

• Scientific synonym: Sometimes classified under the genus (e.g., ), though it is more accurately placed in the genus .
• Common names: Mat bean, matki, Turkish gram, dew bean.

Synonyms

• Mat bean
• Matki

Different Meanings / Contexts

• Botanical Context: Refers specifically to the plant species .
• Culinary/Agricultural Context: Refers primarily to the edible seed produced by this plant.

Noun

1. East Indian legume having hairy foliage and small yellow flowers followed by cylindrical pods; used especially in India for food and forage and as a soil conditioner; sometimes placed in genus Phaseolus