Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Science/2025 August 12

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August 12

What is this species of bean?

 

Speckled butterbeans

These are called "speckled butterbeans" and they are discussed in lima bean. However, the article says that lima beans grow in the eastern US in "Delaware and the mid-Atlantic". These are from farther south. Their taste is quite different from what are known as lima beans. What species are they? Bubba73 ^{You talkin' to me?} 19:40, 12 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hey Bubba: lima beans originate from meso-America and the Andes (hence the name), but were apparently domesticated independently at least twice, and there are numerous different cultivars today. However, they are all constitute a single species (Phaseolus lunatus), and I suspect most varieties would grow quite well throughout most of the Southern U.S., considering their original geographic/ecological distribution. Indeed, lima bean article contains a picture of speckled butterbeans which indicates the specimens in question were grown in the state of Georgia. So the article's description of their horticulture in the U.S. might just not be exhaustive and precise enough. But yes, despite the difference in morphology/appearance and taste from those that may be more familiar to you, these are also lima beans. SnowRise ^{let's rap} 23:22, 12 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Oh look: they somewhat match the color scheme of my signature. Very aesthetically pleasing coincidence. :) SnowRise ^{let's rap} 23:24, 12 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, they are so different in looks and taste (and growing region) that I didn't think they were the same species. The photo of speckled butterbeans in the lima bean article is mine. I put it there years ago because I found "speckled butterbeans" mentioned in that article. Bubba73 ^{You talkin' to me?} 00:41, 13 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The beans shown above are variegated, but I wouldn't call them "speckled", unlike those in the photo in Lima bean. Several of the beans above, in particular the reddish ones, have noticeable fans of streaks, not seen in most bean varieties. I see a similar pattern in these lima beans. Different varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris do taste differently, so I expect this can also be the case for different varieties of Phaseolus lunatus.  ​‑‑Lambiam 10:15, 13 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Keep in mind most all bean varieties are developed from just a handful species, and that varietal differences can be huge.

As a point of reference, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are all Brassica oleracea. SemanticMantis (talk) 16:54, 13 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Kale too? I didn't realize. Hey Semanto-Manto: good to see you--I wasn't sure we would again! SnowRise ^{let's rap} 21:37, 13 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, and collards and kohlrabi too! Brassica rapa also has many distinct culinary varieties, from turnips to bok choi to rapeseed. I did take a break for a while but I have my professor hat back on and I plan to hang out around here a bit more. Good to see you too :) SemanticMantis (talk) 00:03, 14 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I've heard grumblings that some of the cultivars of Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa might have some genetic input from other species. Abductive (reasoning) 18:46, 14 August 2025 (UTC)[reply]