Marama bean (gemsbok bean) Tylosema esculentum
Marama bean (gemsbok bean) (Tylosema esculentum) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Kalahari sands of Botswana, Namibia and northern South Africa. It grows 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall and 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Marama bean (gemsbok bean) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 cm (4–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (roasted), young tuber (roasted) |
| Native to | Kalahari sands of Botswana, Namibia and northern South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Marama bean (gemsbok bean) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: raw seeds
Raw seeds contain trypsin inhibitors: they are roasted before eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Marama bean (gemsbok bean)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Marama bean (gemsbok bean)
- How far apart should I plant Marama bean (gemsbok bean)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft).
- Does Marama bean (gemsbok bean) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Marama bean (gemsbok bean) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Marama bean (gemsbok bean)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Marama bean (gemsbok bean) flower?
- From about October for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Marama bean (gemsbok bean) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Raw seeds contain trypsin inhibitors: they are roasted before eating.
- What grows well with Marama bean (gemsbok bean)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Lost Crops of Africa, vol. I Grains (1996), II Vegetables (2006), III Fruits (2008), National Research Council, National Academies Press, Washington DC
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- Long trailing stems with two-lobed, bauhinia-like leaves spread over the sand from a huge underground tuber that can weigh over 100 kg. The protein- and oil-rich seeds are a wild food of Kalahari peoples; it does not fix nitrogen.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis