Wild Cowpea
Zombi-Pea

Vigna vexillata

Observed growing within a thorny shrub on overgrazed pasture near Eldoret, Kenya. December 2012.

FLOWERS: Large pea flower pink to purple. The keel is twisted to one side and cupped on one side.

VINE: Mostly herbaceous vine from a woody base.

LEAVES: Leaves are compound with three leaflets. Leaflets have smooth margins and surface is pubescent. The leaflets may be narrow to elliptic.

RANGE: This native vine is widely distributed in the tropics around the world.

FRUIT: The bean pods are covered with brown, bristly hairs.

UNARMED.

Fabaceae -- Bean Family -- Paplionoideae - Typical Bean Family

More Information:

• Book: Upland Kenya Wild Flowers and Ferns by A. D. Q. Agnew, 3rd Revised Edition, 2013, Nature Kenya - The East Africa Natural History Society
• Flora of Zimbabwe
• Encyclopedia of Life
• FAO
• Google Images
• Google Scholar Literature Search