Black gram (Vigna mungo) is a different species from mung bean/green gram (Vigna radiata). Both species are similar and are sometimes called by the same vernacular names (see Description below). Black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is an erect, fast-growing annual, herbaceous legume reaching 30-100 cm in height.The pulse 'Black gram' plays an important role in Indian diet, as it contains vegetable protein and supplement to cereal based diet. It contains about 26% protein, which is almost three times that of cereals and other minerals and vitamins. Besides, it is also used as nutritive fodder, specially for milch animals.