Vicia faba equina
Horsebean

Uses

Toxic parts

Although often used as an edible seed, there is a report that eating the seed of this plant can cause the disease 'Favism' in susceptible people^[1]. Favism only occurs in cases of excessive consumption of the seed (no more details are given[K]) and when the person is genetically inclined towards the disease^[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Seed - raw or cooked^[3]^[4]. It can be eaten before it is fully ripe in the same way as broad beans, the fully ripe seed requires overnight soaking to soften it before it is cooked. Leaves - cooked^[5]. Used like spinach.

Leaves

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

A good green manure crop, sown in autumn or spring. Relatively fast growing, producing a good bulk and fixing nitrogen^[6]. The upright growth is not a very good weed suppresser though.

A fibre is obtained from the stems.

The burnt stems are rich in potassium and can be used in making soap.

Unknown part

Fibre

Soap making

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Vicia faba equina.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Green manure

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Vicia faba equina. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

Prefers a fairly heavy loam but succeeds in a sunny position in most soils that are well-drained^[7]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes dry conditions^[8].

Sometimes cultivated for its edible seed, more commonly as a green manure crop^[6]. There are 2 main types, 'daffa' beans are the more hardy and can be sown in the autumn, whilst 'tic' beans are best sown in spring. The autumn sown varieties are more susceptible to 'chocolate spot' fungus (which can be remedied by the addition of potash to the soil) but are more likely to escape damage from aphis^[6].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby^[9]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Vicia faba equina. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Vicia faba equina.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies