Characteristics
Dicots
Mucuna pruriens (L.)DC.
COWITCH; VELVETBEAN
**
This plant is notable for producing irritating hairs on its fruits, containing serotonin (a neurotransmitter) (Bowden et al. 1954) and mucanain (a cysteine protease) (Papoiu et al. 2011). However, some plants do not produce the irritants (Hammerton 2003). Both the non-irritating and irritating forms can be found in Florida .
Not Native
**
Citation
MUCUNA PRURIENS (Linnaeus) de Candolle, Prodr. 2: 405. 1825.
Dolichos pruriens Linnaeus 1759.
INDONESIA: Ambon Island, without data (lectotype: Rumphius, Herb. Amboin. 5: t. 142. 1747). Lectotypified by Merrill, Interpr. Rumph. Herb. Amb. 33, 277. 1917.
Species Distribution Map
Based on vouchered plant specimens from wild populations. Cultivated occurrences are not mapped. Click on a county to display its name.
Source
County
Herbaria
Literature Citation (If Applicable)
No sources found
Synonyms
Synonym
Full Citation
Basionym
Type
No synonyms found
Specimens and Distribution
Click on an Accession Number to view additional details about the specimen.
Counties listed:
Range of years during which specimens were collected:
Accession No.
Country
State
County
Collection Date
Collector & Collection No
Notes
Image
No specimens found
Plant Photos
