Lima bean
Phaseolus lunatus
Synonyms: Phaseolus rufus, Phaseolus latisiliquus, Phaseolus ilocanus, Phaseolus lunatus f. lunonanus, Phaseolus lunatus f. limenanus, Phaseolus amazonicus, Dolichos tonkinensis, Phaseolus platyspermus, Phaseolus limensis, Phaseolus portoricensis, Phaseolus falcatus, Phaseolus bipunctatus, Phaseolus lunatus var. macrocarpus, Phaseolus lunatus f. salicis, Phaseolus macrocarpus, Phaseolus lunatus var. silvester, Phaseolus lunatus f. macrocarpus, Phaseolus lunatus f. solanoides, Phaseolus xuarezii, Phaseolus maximus, Phaseolus lunatus f. vulgaris, Phaseolus parviflorus, Phaseolus lunatus var. albus, Phaseolus lunatus var. lilacinus, Phaseolus tunkinensis, Phaseolus lunatus var. longepedunculatus, Phaseolus puberulus, Phaseolus inamoenus, Phaseolus foecundus, Phaseolus tenuiflorus, Phaseolus derasus
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Botanical Description
Phaseolus lunatus, the lima or butter bean, is a climbing or bushy annual to short-lived perennial legume with twining, hairy stems that may reach several metres in pole forms. The leaves are trifoliate with broadly ovate, pointed leaflets borne on long stalks. Small greenish-white to pale violet pea-like flowers are carried in slender axillary racemes. The flat, oblong, curved pods are short and broad, each containing two to four large, flattened, kidney- to half-moon-shaped seeds that range from white and cream to red, brown, black, or mottled. Wild and primitive forms contain cyanogenic glycosides and require thorough cooking. Domesticated in the Americas in two independent centres (Mesoamerica and the Andes), the lima bean is now cultivated throughout warm regions as a food legume.
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.