DOLICHOS (Lablab niger)

Abstract

Lablab belongs to the tribe Phaseoleae, subfamily Phaseoloideae and has 25 tropical species; it is native to Africa, but is distributed in South and Central America, the Antilles, China and parts of Asia. The species of greatest interest is Lablab niger and cv. Rongai is the most prominent in Cuba. This cultivar has good characteristics as a fodder legume and is associated with cut grasses. Its yield can vary from 10 to 24,7 t DM/ha as a pure crop, it is an excellent forage and has high nutrient digestibility.