PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mucuna pruriens
Velvet Bean / Cowitch
(L.) DC., 1825
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Mucuna pruriens is an extremely vigorous annual or perennial climbing vine belonging to the legume family. Its stems are slender and twining, capable of reaching up to 15 meters in length, rapidly climbing over surrounding vegetation. It has trifoliolate leaves with ovate, pubescent leaflets. Its inflorescences are pendulous racemes producing dark purple or yellowish-white flowers. The most characteristic and feared feature of the species is its legume: an S-shaped pod densely covered with a layer of orange or brown hairs (trichomes) that look like velvet. These hairs contain mucunain, an enzyme that causes severe and instant irritation and itching upon contact with skin. The seeds are rounded, black or mottled, and are rich in L-Dopa. It is a pioneer plant that dominates forest edges and disturbed areas in the tropics.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Fabales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Fabaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mucuna
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) DC., 1825
Record Completeness
91%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
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Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is a highly adaptable species that thrives in warm, humid tropical climates from sea level up to 1,500 meters in altitude. It prefers forest edges, light gaps, riverbanks, and disturbed or abandoned agricultural lands. It requires well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of fertility. In Costa Rica, it is extremely common in the Caribbean and Pacific plains, where it often acts as an aggressive weed covering fences and young trees.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a structural species of the lower canopy and forest edges. Its climbing behavior allows it to form dense curtains of vegetation that protect the forest interior from desiccation. Its flowers, though beautiful, have an interesting pollination ecology; in some subspecies, flowers are pollinated by bats, while others depend on large bees. Its pods remain on the plant long after the vine has dried, awaiting the moment for dispersal.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
500.0 - 1500.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Urticating Trichomes with Mucunain: The pod is armed with thousands of detachable hairs that inject the protein mucunain into the attacker's epidermis. This mechanical and chemical defense is so effective that it deters almost any mammal from trying to consume the pods, protecting the seeds until full maturity.
Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation: Like other legumes, it possesses root nodules that house Rhizobium bacteria. This allows it to grow aggressively in degraded and nitrogen-poor soils, rapidly outcompeting other plants.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Elimination for phytosanitary control: Due to the extreme irritation it causes to farmworkers and livestock, it is frequently eradicated from roadsides and farms, which can affect its local populations in highly intervened areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Natural Source of L-Dopa: Mucuna pruriens seeds contain high concentrations of levodopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. For this reason, it is used in traditional and modern medicine to treat Parkinson's disease.
Green manure use: In organic agriculture, it is planted to cover the soil and suppress weeds, as its dense growth and nitrogen-fixing ability drastically improve soil quality for subsequent crops.