The Horsebean (Vicia faba) belongs to Fabaceae (the Pea family). It is an annual herb that is native to Central Asia and the coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea. This herb was introduced into Japan in Edo Era (1603-1868) via China and cultivated widely nowadays. The Japanese name comes from the fact that the fruit pods initially grow facing upward. The stem is midair with four ribs and can reach 1 m in height. White to pale purple papilionaceous flowers come in April to May. It is called "蚕豆" (can dou) in Chinese.