Runner bean
Phaseolus coccineus
Synonyms: Lipusa formosa, Phaseolus coccineus var. lineatibracteolatus, Phaseolus prorifirus, Phaseolus coccineus var. griseus, Phaseolus coccineus var. parvibracteolatus, Phaseolus coccineus var. semperbracteolatus, Phaseolus multiflorus var. albiflorus, Phaseolus coccineus var. strigillosus, Lipusa multiflora var. bicolor, Phaseolus coccineus var. splendens, Phaseolus coccineus var. tridentatus, Phaseolus leiosepalus, Phaseolus coccineus var. pubescens, Phaseolus coccineus var. condensatus, Phaseolus bicolor, Phaseolus obvallatus, Phaseolus multiflorus var. coccineus, Phaseolus coccineus var. argenteus, Phaseolus formosus, Phaseolus coccineus subsp. striatus, Phaseolus coccineus var. striatus, Phaseolus coccineus var. guatemalensis, Phaseolus coccineus var. purpurascens, Phaseolus multiflorus var. niger, Phaseolus coccineus var. rigidicaulis, Phaseolus multiflorus var. albus, Phaseolus coccineus var. pringlei, Phaseolus multiflorus var. bicolor, Phaseolus coccineus var. zongolicensis, Lipusa multiflora, Phaseolus coccineus var. minuticicatricatus, Phaseolus striatus, Phaseolus strigillosus, Phaseolus coccineus var. timilpanensis, Phaseolus coccineus subsp. formosus, Phaseolus coccineus subsp. obvallatus, Phaseolus sylvestris, Phaseolus superbus, Lipusa multiflora var. niger, Phaseolus vulgaris var. coccineus, Phaseolus griseus, Lipusa multiflora var. alba, Lipusa multiflora var. coccinea, Lipusa multiflora var. lucida
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Botanical Description
Phaseolus coccineus, the scarlet runner bean, is a vigorous twining perennial legume usually grown as an annual, with stems climbing several metres by their winding habit. Unlike most beans it germinates hypogeally, leaving the cotyledons below ground, and forms thickened tuberous roots that allow it to overwinter in mild climates. The leaves are trifoliate with broad, heart-shaped to ovate leaflets. It is conspicuous for its showy racemes of bright scarlet (sometimes white or bicoloured) pea-like flowers, which attract hummingbirds and bees. The long, broad, rough-surfaced pods contain large, plump seeds that are typically purple-black mottled with pink or red. Native to the cool highlands of Mexico and Central America, where it was domesticated, it is grown widely as both an ornamental climber and a food plant for its pods and seeds.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.