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Description
Macroptilium Lathyroides, commonly known as Wild Bush Bean, is a warm-season, annual legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant has a prostrate growth habit and can grow up to 3 feet in length. It produces small, pink or purple flowers and has leaves that are trifoliate and alternate in arrangement. The fruit is a pod that contains small, black seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Macroptilium |
| Species | Lathyroides |
Appearance
Wild Bush Bean has a low, spreading growth habit with long, slender stems that can grow up to 3 feet in length. The plant produces trifoliate leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. Each leaflet is oblong and measures around 1 inch in length. The flowers are small and pink or purple in color, and are arranged in clusters of 2-5 at the end of the stems. The fruit is a pod that contains small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Wild Bush Bean requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.Soil: Wild Bush Bean prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0.Sunlight: The plant requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly.Hardiness Zones: Wild Bush Bean thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wild Bush Bean is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and root rot. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can help prevent these issues from becoming severe.
Habitat
Wild Bush Bean is native to the southeastern United States but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. It prefers warm, humid climates and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Wild Bush Bean an annual or perennial plant?
A: Wild Bush Bean is an annual plant.Q: What is the height of a fully grown Wild Bush Bean plant?
A: A fully grown Wild Bush Bean plant can reach up to 3 feet in length.Q: What is the ideal pH range for Wild Bush Bean soil?
A: Wild Bush Bean prefers soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0.Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Wild Bush Bean?
A: Wild Bush Bean is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and root rot.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Macroptilium genus include Macroptilium Atropurpureum, Macroptilium Bracteatum, and Macroptilium Glaucum.
References
- “Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 23, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MALA6.
- “Macroptilium.” The Plant List. Accessed September 23, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Leguminosae/Macroptilium/.
- “Wild Bush Bean.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed September 23, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag120.
