The winged bean is an underutilised species but has the potential to become a major multi-use food crop in the tropics of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

[1] The winged bean plant grows as a vine with climbing stems and leaves, 3–4 m (10–13 ft) in height.

It is typically 15–22 cm (6–8+1⁄2 in) long, rectangular in cross-section[2] (though sometimes appearing flat), and has four wings with frilly edges running lengthwise.

When fully ripe, the pod turns an ash-brown colour and splits open to release the seeds (beans).

Seeds may appear white, cream, dark tan, or brown, depending on growing and storage conditions.

The winged bean belongs to the genus Psophocarpus, which is part of the legume family, Fabaceae.

Most likely originating from New Guinea,[3] the species grows abundantly in the hot, humid equatorial countries of South and Southeast Asia, as well as tropical Africa.

[2] Winged bean is a self-pollinating plant but mutations and occasional outcrossing may produce variations in the species.

[1] The winged bean is a tropical plant, and will only flower when the day length is shorter than 12 hours, although some varieties have been reported to be day-length neutral.

Slow early growth makes winged bean susceptible to weed competition in the first four to six weeks of development.

[1] Khan (1982) recommends weeding by hand or animal drawn tractor two times before the support system of the winged bean is established.

[1] The plant's ability to grow in heavy rainfall makes it a candidate for the people of the African tropics.

[6] Winged bean production is optimal in humidity, but the species is susceptible to moisture stress and waterlogging.

[1] Winged bean is an effective cover crop; planting it uniform with the ground suppresses weed growth.

For commercial fish feed, winged bean is a potentially lower-cost protein source.

[13] The African sharptooth catfish, a highly valued food fish in Africa,[13] can eat winged bean.

In Papua New Guinea highlands region where winged beans thrive, the husks are fed to domesticated pigs as a dietary supplement.