Origin and Ecology of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc: A Review

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is an underutilized legume used as food, medicine and animal feed. Despite of the many useful properties of this pulse, it remains a neglected crop in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this paper is to record the ecology of Bambara groundnut on the basis of data from the literature in order to raise awareness on its importance. The following aspects are discussed: the origin and current distribution of Bambara groundnut, its classical and vernacular nomenclature, appropriate climatic conditions for its growth, soil requirements and the adaptability of the crop to climate change in relation to its ecology, origin, distribution and intrinsic properties. It is hoped that this review will enhance Bambara groundnut production given its high potential as a future crop that could be well adapted to various agro-ecological conditions.