Which beans are commonly grown in tropical horticulture?

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In tropical horticulture, many varieties of beans are successfully cultivated, often depending on local elevation and the presence of a dry season. Commonly grown beans include:1

  • Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus): A perennial in the tropics, this bean is widely cultivated for its edible seeds.234
  • Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata): These are grown in many varieties and are a staple in tropical regions.21
  • Yard-long bean: A subspecies of the cowpea, this plant is known for its long, thin, edible pods.51
  • French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): Originating in the American subtropics, these are grown successfully in tropical environments.21
  • Yam bean (Pachyrhizus): A native of tropical America, this is a high-yield root crop grown for its edible tuber.61
  • Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan): An important crop in drier tropical areas.61
  • Soybean (Glycine max) and Peanut: Both are significant crops in drier tropical regions.61
  • Moth bean (V. aconitifolia) and Rice bean (V. umbellata): Often used in the tropics for forage and soil improvement.6
  • Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus): Collected in Southeast Asia for its edible fruits and tubers.6