What is a monkey tamarind the plants that itches?\nMonkey Tamarind whose common name is Mucuna Pruriens or Velvet Bean is a shrub that is used for fodder or fertilizer. When the plant is young it has the orangy brown hair on it and it is shaped like a tamarind. The pod should not be touched as it causes a severe itch. If you have this plant around your house you should get rid of it as the breeze can blow the hairs in through your windows and if they land on anything and you touch