The mung bean (Vigna radiata), alternatively known as the moong bean, green gram,[2] but not mungo[3] or mingo, is a plant species in the legume family.[4][5] Native to the Indian subcontinent,[6] the mung bean is mainly cultivated today in India, China, and Southeast Asia. It is also cultivated in hot, dry regions in Southern Europe and the Southern United States.[4] It is used as an ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.