azuki bean

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• adzuki-bean
• Adzuki Bean
• Azuki Bean
• Red Bean
• small red (Adzuki) beans

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vigna angularis var. nipponensis
• Dolichos angularis
• Phaseolus angularis
• Phaseolus nipponensis
• Dolichos angulatus
• Azukia angularis
• Azukia angularis var. nipponensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is further organized into the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Vigna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across several distinct regions of Asia and Africa. In the Russian Far East, its presence can be identified in both the Primorye and Sakalin territories. The distribution continues through China, where it is found in the South-Central provinces as well as on the island of Hainan. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Kenya. Consequently, these diverse locations demonstrate the plant's ability to inhabit varied climatic zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vigna angularis is primarily characterized by its status as a cultivated plant, thriving within managed agricultural environments rather than exclusively in wild undisturbed ecosystems. Its distribution is tied to specific altitudinal zones, with a recorded elevational range that spans from a minimum of 1100 m AMSL to a maximum of 1400 m AMSL. This specialized vertical range suggests that the species is adapted to specific temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions found within these mid-to-high altitude belts.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1100 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cultivated plant

Life history

The life history of Vigna angularis is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire biological progression from seed germination to senescence within a single growing season. The process begins with the germination of seeds in warm soil, leading to the rapid development of a climbing or spreading herbaceous vine. During its vegetative phase, the plant focuses on establishing a robust root system and extending its stems to maximize light interception. As the growing season progresses, it transitions into a reproductive phase, producing flowers that are subsequently pollinated to facilitate the development of seed pods. Once the seeds have reached maturity, the plant completes its reproductive cycle and dies back, leaving behind seeds that remain dormant in the soil to await the favorable conditions of the next season.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Vigna angularis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. It is a terrestrial plant that functions independently, without being a parasite or an epiphyte. The plant exhibits an ascending shoot orientation and possesses a self-supporting climbing habit, rather than being an obligatory or facultative vine. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing species with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, maintaining a mean height of approximately 0.8 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.8 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vigna angularis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. As a member of the Fabaceae family, this species exhibits a highly efficient nitrogen-fixing capability through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. This biological nitrogen fixation occurs within specialized root nodules, where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia, thereby enhancing the plant's nutrient uptake and supporting its growth in nitrogen-poor soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vigna angularis is characterized by a specialized pollination strategy and specific phenological timing. The plant relies on biotic pollination, specifically utilizing insects, with bees identified as a key pollinator species. The flowering period is concentrated in July, marking both the onset and the conclusion of its floral display. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds with varying dimensions; the seed mass ranges from a minimum of 0.0909 g to a maximum of 0.1601 g, maintaining an average seed mass of approximately 0.1427 g.

Flowering time :

Jul

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.1601 g

Seed mass mean:

0.1427166665 g

Seed mass min:

0.0909 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vigna angularis has 86 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Galactinol, RAFFINOSE, Stachyose, daidzein.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
2. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Galactinol

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology
2. Plant physiology

RAFFINOSE

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology
2. Plant physiology

Stachyose

1. The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology
2. Plant physiology

daidzein

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)

genistein

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)

4-aminobutylcadaverine

1. The Journal of biological chemistry

ACC

1. Plant & cell physiology

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

Azukisapogenol

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Vigna angularis has 395 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective, 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, ACE-Inhibitor, Abortifacient, Acidulant.

Hepatoprotective

1. Dr. Duke
2. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Adjuvant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Vigna angularis has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, diabetes mellitus, muscle atrophy, obesity, osteoclastogenesis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations