Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as velvet bean or cowitch, is a fast-growing, climbing shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. It thrives in a variety of habitats including forest edges, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. The plant is deciduous and can reach lengths of over 49 feet (15 meters), with a vining habit that allows it to climb over other vegetation. It has compound tripinnate leaves and produces showy clusters of flowers that can be purple, lavender, or white, typically blooming in the warmer months.

Velvet bean is valued for its ornamental flowers and its potential medicinal properties, as the seeds contain L-DOPA, an amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is used in traditional medicine and has been studied for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, moderate water, and well-drained soil. It is used in tropical regions for its nitrogen-fixing abilities to improve soil fertility and as a cover crop. However, it can be problematic due to its itchy seed pods, which are covered in loose orange hairs that cause severe itching upon contact. Additionally, Mucuna pruriens is potentially invasive in some regions, so it is crucial to check local regulations before planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0