Key to the Chinese taxa of Mucuna subg. Stizolobium:

1. Pods curved into S shape....................................................................................................................................................................2

1. Pods straight or slightly irregular curved, but never curved into S shape..........................................................................................3

2. Pods usually without irritant bristles ................................................................................................................. M. pruriens var. utilis

2. Pods densely covered with irritant hairs...................................................................................................... M. pruriens var. pruriens

3. The lower part of the inflorescence bears many flowerless nodes with scars and persistent bracts ............................... M. bracteata

3. Bracts all caducous, never persistent on the lower part of inflorescence....................................................... M. pruriens var. hirsuta