Guar, << gwahr, >> is a hardy, drought-resistant legume grown for its seeds, as forage, and as a green manure crop to improve the soil. The plant, first found in India, was brought to the United States in the early 1900’s. It is grown mostly in the Southwest. One bushy variety grows about 4 feet (1.2 meters) high. The special seed-producing type grows higher. The seeds develop in pods and contain the chemical compound mannogalactan, used in manufacturing paper and textiles, processing minerals, and treating waste water.
