What is a mangwansi bean?

Question

In Barbara Kingsolver's, The Poisonwood Bible, she makes several mentions to mangwansi beans which are native to Africa. Does anybody know what kind of beans these are? Are they similar to any found in America?

Answer 1

This is a fictional bean, there is no such bean or pea.  It's from the author's wonderful imagination!  What a wonderful name!

Answer 2

I'm not sure, but if they're anything at all like lima beans, better go on and save me a bowl or two!.