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 legum.

Black Gram, also known as "Urad Dal," are pulses that, although commonly called lentils, are actually related to cowpeas and mung beans.

They originated in India, where they are still an important culinary ingredient, used in popular dishes such as dal makhani, dosa and papadum.