Vigna minima (Roxb.) Ohwi & Ohashi

To Japanese version

<Taxonomy>

According to Tateishi (1984), V.minima is very variable species. The leaflets vary from linear to triangular-ovate or ovate. In extreme cases as described under Phaseolus heterohyllus, linear and ovate leaflets appear in the same individual.

<Distribution>

Taiwan, China, Indo-China, Malaysia, the Philippines and New Guinea (Tateishi, 1984).

<Characteristics>

V.minima has golden yellow flowers. Seed testa is smooth with dark gray color. Seeds are oblong, hilum is linear and rim-aril is thick. Mature pods are glabrous. Pods 5-8.5 cm long, 9-12 seeded. Narrowly ovate stipules are small, 3-5 mm long, less than 4 mm wide. Bracteoles are triangular-ovate. Germination is hypogeal.

<As genetic resources>

The levels of resistance to insects and diseases have not been studied. Further research and collection efforts are necessary.

<References>

Tateishi,Y. 1984. Contributions to the Genus Vigna (Leguminosae) in Taiwan I. Sci. Rep. Tohoku Univ. 4th ser. (Biology) 38: 335-350.