It is an annual shrub which can grow to seven metres in height but usually only reaches one to two metres. It sends out fibrous, pithy stems with long leaves and bears purple-spotted yellow flowers. It produces pods which contain light brown beans.
The plant has a great number of uses, including as green manure, rice straw, wood and fodder.
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It can be used like industrial hemp for rope, fish nets, sackcloth and sailcloth. Its fibers are similar to those of birch trees and show promise as a source of paper fiber.
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The foliage makes a good fodder for livestock and the beans can be fed to fowl. The plant has been also used as a famine food by people.
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Natural gum from the plant is useful as a thickening agent.
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Like other legumes, it can be planted to improve the soil via nitrogen fixation.
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It makes a good firewood.