| Runner bean | ||||||||||||||||
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| Phaseolus coccineus L. |
The Runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus, Fabaceae) is often called the scarlet runner bean since most varieties have red flowers and multicolored seeds, though some have white flowers and white seeds. It differs from the common bean in several respects. The cotyledons stay in the ground during germination, and the plant is a perennial with tuberous roots (though it is usually treated as an annual).
The green pods are edible but in some varieties (the scarlet runner) tend to become fibrous early. The seeds can be used fresh or as dried beans. The starchy roots are still eaten by Central American Indians. The scarlet runner is widely grown for its attractive flowers by people who would never think of eating it.
This species originated from the mountains of Central America.
Varieties
- Scarlet Runner
- Aztec Half-Runner
- Also called "Potato bean"
- White Dutch Runner
- Case Knife
- Black Runner
- Painted Lady
- Hammond's Dwarf
- Pickwick Dwarf