It is also widely cultivated and has become naturalized in tropical Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Madagascar), Australia, the US states of Florida and Hawaii, and in the Caribbean.

[5] It requires 2,500 mm (98 in) of annual rainfall, and due to its shallow root system it can withstand flooding but not drought.

One of its most outstanding characteristics is its persistence under shade, but full sunlight is required for good seed production.

[6] As a cover crop, Vigna hosei is susceptible to the fungus disease Rhizoctonia solani, which causes wilting of large patches of leaves.

Due to its persistence under shade, the plant can enrich a mixture of leguminous covers for young plantation trees.