Contents
Description
Phaseolus is a genus of plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as beans. It includes over 75 species of annual and perennial plants that are widely cultivated for their edible seeds. The genus is native to Central and South America, but it is now grown worldwide in various climates. The name “Phaseolus” comes from the Greek word “phaselos,” which means “a kind of bean.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Phaseolus |
Appearance
Phaseolus plants vary in size, from small bushy plants to climbing vines that can grow up to 10 feet long. The leaves are typically trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets, and they are usually green in color. The flowers are small and can be white, pink, red, or purple, depending on the species. The fruit is a pod that contains the seeds, which are usually kidney-shaped or oval and come in a range of colors, including black, white, red, and speckled.
Care Guide
To grow Phaseolus plants, it is important to provide them with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to consider their hardiness zones.Water: Phaseolus plants require regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to avoid standing water around the roots.Fertilization: Phaseolus plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced seed production.Soil: Phaseolus plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but a pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: Phaseolus plants require full sun to produce a good crop. They can tolerate some shade, but this can lead to reduced yields.Hardiness Zones: The hardiness zones for Phaseolus plants depend on the species. Generally, they require warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. Consult a local gardening guide or nursery for specific information on the hardiness of the species you are growing.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phaseolus plants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, bean beetles, bacterial blight, mosaic virus, and root rot. To prevent these problems, it is important to practice good hygiene, rotate crops, and use appropriate pest and disease control measures, such as insecticidal soap and fungicides.
Habitat
Phaseolus plants are native to Central and South America, but they now grow in many different habitats worldwide. They are often grown in gardens and farms for their edible seeds, but they can also be found in the wild in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the nutritional value of Phaseolus seeds?
A: Phaseolus seeds are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, zinc, and potassium.
Q: How long does it take for Phaseolus plants to mature?
A: The time it takes for Phaseolus plants to mature depends on the species and growing conditions. Generally, they take 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
Q: Can I grow Phaseolus plants in containers?
A: Yes, Phaseolus plants can be grown in containers as long as they have adequate space, sunlight, and soil. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide and use a well-draining soil mix.
Q: How do I harvest and store Phaseolus seeds?
A: To harvest Phaseolus seeds, wait until the pods are dry and brittle, then pick them from the plant. Remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Related Plants
- Vigna
- Glycine
- Cicer
- Lens
- Pisum
References
- Beebe, S. (2012). Common Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Genetic Resource Management. In Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement: Vegetable Crops (Vol. 3, pp. 1-27). CRC Press.
- Gepts, P. (1998). Origin and evolution of common bean: past events and recent trends. HortScience, 33(7), 1124-1130.
- USDA. (2021). Phaseolus. Plants Database. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHASE
