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Uses

Toxic parts

Large quantities of the raw mature seed are poisonous[7][8]. The toxins play a role in protecting the plant from insect predation. There are mixed reports regarding the toxicity of the root but according to at least one source it is poisonous[4].

Edible uses

Flowers

Raw as a Vegetable, Salad

Leaves

Root

Cooked as a Vegetable

Seedpod, Seed

Raw; Cooked as a Vegetable

Seed

Dried, Cooked as a Vegetable

The protein-rich mature seeds can be dried and stored for future use. They need to be thoroughly cooked before being eaten in order to destroy a toxic principle. They are soaked for 12 hours prior to use and are eaten boiled or added to soups etc.

Dried, Ground as a Flour, Protein

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Phaseolus coccineus.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Phaseolus coccineus.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface or Climber

Ecological Functions

Nitrogen fixer

Like all members of the Leguminosae family, this species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria which form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[9].

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed

Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. Germination should take place within 10 days. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring though it may not ripen its seed in a cool summer.


Cultivation

Requires a warm sheltered sunny position in a rich well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season[3][10][5][9]. Dislikes heavy, wet or acid soils[10]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 to 7[9]. The runner bean is commonly cultivated in many parts of the world for its edible seeds and immature seedpods, there are many named varieties[2]. Most varieties are climbing plants but some dwarf forms have been developed[9]. Plants are perennials but are often grown as annuals, especially in the temperate zone. Plants flower under long day conditions, which is ideal for temperate regions[9]. When grown for their edible pods, the immature pods should be harvested regularly in order to promote extra flower production and therefore higher yields[9]. The perennial roots will survive mild winters outdoors in many parts of the country, especially if given a protective mulch in late autumn, they will then give an earlier but lighter crop the following year. They can also be dug up in late autumn and stored like dahlias in a cool but frost free place over winter and replanted in the following spring. The plants might need some protection from slugs since these creatures adore the young shoots in the spring[K]. Runner beans grow well with carrots, cauliflowers, cucumbers, cabbage, leek and celeriac[11][12]. They are inhibited by alliums and fennel growing nearby[11][12].

Crops

Seeds

Harvest

Leave the pods to mature and dry thoroughly on the plant. If the weather is too damp, harvest the whole plant from the base (leave the perennial root tuber if you want an early crop the following year) and hang them upside down somewhere warm until the pods are completely dry[13].

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Phaseolus coccineus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Phaseolus coccineus
Genus
Phaseolus
Family
Leguminosae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
10
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    3 x 1
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Phaseolus coccineus flores.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.




    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (32202/01/01)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.6 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (32202/01/01)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (32202/01/01)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (32202/01/01)
    7. ? Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus ISBN 0-7011-2526-8 (32202/01/01)
    8. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (32202/01/01)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Simons. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-050-0 (32202/01/01)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (32202/01/01)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (32202/01/01)
    13. ? [Runner Beans - Seed Saving Guidelines] Garden Organic (2013/04/13)


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