scarlet runner bean

The scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) is a high-climbing bean native to tropical America. It is characterized by its large, bright red flowers and seeds that are red and black. This plant is cultivated both as an ornamental and for its edible qualities.1

Beans, in general, are the edible seeds or seedpods of leguminous plants in the Fabaceae family. They are a significant source of protein, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin worldwide. Beans can grow as bushes or climbing plants, and varieties differ greatly in size, shape, and color. The scarlet runner bean, while perennial in its native tropics, is grown as an annual in temperate climates. It is noted for its showy scarlet flowers and fleshy immature pods, which are consumed in regions like Great Britain and Europe. Despite being a common plant in temperate regions, its ability to set pods can be influenced by factors like elevation and climate, as seen in tropical zones.23