[3] Its nutrient-rich seeds are high in protein, as well as a good source for cooking oil.

[4] The origin of L. mutabilis has been identified in the Andean region of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

[6] Its highly variable genome contains 2n = 48 chromosomes, which leads to significant differences in morphology.

This species is preferably promoted because of its early ripening, stability, and homogeneity in seed quality.

The thousand-seed weight (TSW) is around 200 g. Leaves are palmate and have a typical appearance: one leaf is divided into five to twelve leaflets with an oval or lanceolate form.

Like all Leguminosae, secondary roots build nodules containing bacteria for nitrogen fixation.

[6] The growing cycle varies from 150 to 360 days, depending on the genotype, altitude, and environmental conditions.

[6] The bone-white seed contains more than 40% protein and 20% fat and has been used as a food by Andean people since ancient times, especially in soups, stews, salads and by itself mixed with boiled maize.

Cultivars also contain QAs but at much lower levels thanks to breeding programs begun in Germany in the 1930s.

Incorporation in the flowering stage leads to a higher quantity of organic matter and an improved soil structure.

[5] L. mutabilis is a crop for cool climates and exists mainly in valleys at high altitudes, such as the Andes at tropical latitudes.

Mature plants are resistant to frost, whereas seedlings are sensitive to low temperatures.

[6] Reducing soil-born saprophytes can be reached by removing a dry straw from the field.

Other breeding goals are tolerance to diseases and insects, improvement in yield, early maturing, and synchronous ripening.

Higher resistance could be reached by breeding a variety with high alkaloid content in leaves but not in the seeds.