Vigna caracalla
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Vigna_caracalla".

This does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (December 2006)

Vigna caracalla
The curled flowers of V. caracalla
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Subfamily: Faboideae Tribe: Phaseoleae Genus: Vigna Species: V. caracalla
Binomial name
Vigna caracalla (L.) Verdc.

Vigna caracalla is leguminous vine from the family Fabaceae, originating in tropical South America and Central America. The species is named caracalla, meaning that it comes from Caracas in Venezuela.

That this perennial vine has fragrant flowers is a common misconception (though there may be hybrid varieties as such) - said to be reminiscent of hyacinths - with a distinctive curled shape, giving rise to the common name corkscrew vine. It is sometimes mistaken for the "snail vine" or "snail bean": Phaseolus caracalla.

Corkscrew vine seedpods

This vine is hardy in zones 9 and above, liking full sun and consistently damp soil. It prefers high heat and humidity and can become invasive if these conditions are met. In lower (colder) zones, it does well in a pot if it is overwintered inside.

Some data indicates some edible properties to this plant - specifically the flowers - but this should be verified from a reputable source before attempting.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Vigna caracalla

This Faboideae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.