Phaseolus

bean plant

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July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Phaseolus is a genus of herbs in the legume family, Fabaceae, native to warm regions. This genus includes most of the true American beans, such as the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus). Beans are a vital food source worldwide, rich in protein, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin.12

The common bean is second only to the soybean in global importance as a food crop. It is cultivated for both its edible seeds and its immature seedpods, which are known as snap beans or green beans. Varieties differ significantly in size, shape, and color. Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are another important species within the Phaseolus genus, distinguished by ridges on their seed coats. Like other legumes, beans have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which helps improve soil fertility.324

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Fabales
Distribution and abundance
, Glycine max (soybeans) and Phaseolus (several species of beans)—are cultivated every year on a single vast area of land. Many species are seeded as pasture components; others are planted for soil improvement or to prevent erosion; woody species are grown for firewood and timber in developing countries; and dozens…
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, Glycine max (soybeans) and Phaseolus (several species of beans)—are cultivated every year on a single vast area of land. Many species are seeded as pasture components; others are planted for soil improvement or to prevent erosion; woody species are grown for firewood and timber in developing countries; and dozens…
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bean
The genera Phaseolus and Vigna have several species each of well-known beans, though a number of economically important species can be found in various genera throughout the family. Rich in protein and providing moderate amounts of iron, thiamin, and riboflavin, beans are used worldwide for cooking in…
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The genera Phaseolus and Vigna have several species each of well-known beans, though a number of economically important species can be found in various genera throughout the family. Rich in protein and providing moderate amounts of iron, thiamin, and riboflavin, beans are used worldwide for cooking in…
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angiosperm
Seedlings
, garden beans, Phaseolus). Eventually, the seedling becomes independent of the seed-storage products and grows into a mature plant capable of reproduction. Although the dispersal of seeds is essential in the reproduction and spread of angiosperm species, it is equally important for successful germination and seedling establishment to…
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, garden beans, Phaseolus). Eventually, the seedling becomes independent of the seed-storage products and grows into a mature plant capable of reproduction. Although the dispersal of seeds is essential in the reproduction and spread of angiosperm species, it is equally important for successful germination and seedling establishment to…
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