Canavalia pubescens, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), is a perennial climber with elliptic leaves, 2.3 to 10.2 cm (2.4 to 5 in) long and 1.8 to 7.6 cm (0.7 to 3 in) wide, the upper surfaces are moderately pubescent, and the lower surfaces are densely pubescent. Flowers number 8 to 20 existing in pseudoracemes 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) long, with the lowest lobe broadly lanceolate and 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 in) long. The corolla is dark red to pink (rarely white), with a white spot and streaks toward the base. Fruits are compressed pods 12 to 18 cm (4.7 to 7 in) long and 2.5 to 3.2 cm (1 to 1.3 in) wide. Seeds are brown to dark reddish brown, oblong-elliptic, strongly compressed, 15 to 19 mm (0.6 to 0.8 in) long, 10 to 13 mm (0.4 to 0.5 in) wide.