A shrub or tree of the southern African genus Schotia (family Fabaceae), especially S. afra, having an edible seed borne in flattened woody pods and resembling a broad bean.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in John Barrow.
Definition of Hottentot's bean in US English:
Hottentot's bean
(also Hottentot bean)
noun
South African
A shrub or tree of the southern African genus Schotia (family Fabaceae), especially S. afra, having an edible seed borne in flattened woody pods and resembling a broad bean.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in John Barrow.