Linda,
I read online too that they is a purple flower variety called Hyacinth Bean.
Those I mention above with white flowers are edible, as far as I know not poisonous. My family has been eating them for years, I am still here. My mom boils them after removing the husk around the chicharos, the vines are irritant to the skin so its best to pick them with gloves. Wildlife leaves them alone. They tend to be invasive in the Caribbean and yes perennial. My family only plant 1-2 plants and mix them with other legumes like black eye peas, pigeon peas and pole beans.
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Wendy
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