It is native to northern Madagascar where it is locally known in Malagasy as vohinkovika.

[1] Mucuna paniculata is found at elevations between sea level to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in northern Madagascar.

These vines can be found in both humid and sub-humid forests, usually near rivers and streams.

[1] Species in the genus Mucuna are known to carry irritant hairs.

[1] Habitat destruction by slash-and-burn techniques pose a potential threat to the species.