🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Guar is primarily grown as a cover crop and green manure to improve soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. The young pods are edible and used in culinary applications, similar to green beans. It is also a valuable source of guar gum, used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in the food, pharmaceutical, and oil industries. It can be used as livestock fodder.
Permapeople description
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, also known as guar, is an annual legume and the source of guar gum.
Botanical description
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, commonly known as guar or cluster bean, is an annual legume in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent. It grows to a height of 1-2 meters. The plant has trifoliate leaves and bears clusters of small, white to pink flowers. The fruit is a slender pod, typically 5-10 cm long, containing 5-9 seeds. The seeds contain a significant amount of galactomannan gum, which is the source of guar gum. It is drought tolerant and well-suited to semi-arid conditions.
Companion planting
Guar is a legume and fixes nitrogen, making it a beneficial companion for non-leguminous crops. It can be grown alongside plants that benefit from increased nitrogen levels in the soil. Avoid planting it with other heavy nitrogen feeders that might compete for other soil nutrients.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed. Direct sowing is the most common method. Seeds can be soaked in water for a few hours to improve germination. It thrives when sown directly into warm soil after the last frost.
History and traditions
Guar has been cultivated in India and Pakistan for centuries, primarily as a food crop and green manure. Its use as a source of guar gum has a relatively recent history, with commercial production beginning in the mid-20th century. Traditionally, the pods are used in various Indian and Pakistani dishes. The plant also has traditional medicinal uses in some cultures.
Usage calendar
Sowing: Spring after the last frost. Flowering: Summer. Harvesting (pods): Summer to Fall. Harvesting (seeds): Fall. Green manure application: Before flowering or after harvest.