 "Tylosema esculentum", also known as the Marama bean, is a perennial legume that grows in arid Southern African environments.Indigenous natural food sources, such as this specific perennial legume, are essential for rural livelihoods, especially for communities living in extremely harsh environmental conditions where there is little to no rainfall.The plant's ability to be cultivated in harsh and arid environments is due to its large tuber structure that stores high amount of water and soil nutrients, making "Tylosema esculentum" a drought-tolerant crop.