Phaseolus polystachios

Phaseolus polystachios, also known as the thicket bean or wild kidney bean, is a perennial, herbaceous vine that is native to North America.[2][1] It is unique among the Phaseolus in that its native range extends across the eastern temperate United States to southeast Canada, while most Phaseolus are tropical or subtropical.[2] It is the namesake for the Polystachios group clade, which is the most species-rich within Phaseolus (17 species).[3] In spite of its common name, it is more closely related to the lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), and it holds potential as a crop wild relative due to its resistance to white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).[4]

Phaseolus polystachios
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Phaseolus
Species:
P. polystachios
Binomial name
Phaseolus polystachios
(L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.
Synonyms
  • Dolichos polystachios L.
  • Phaseolus paniculatus Michx.
  • Phaseolus perennis Walter
  • Phaseolus polystachios var. aquilonius Fernald
Phaseolus polystachios

Subordinate taxa

Subordinate taxa include Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios, Phaseolus polystachios var. sinuatus, and Phaseolus polystachios var. smilacifolius.[2][5] The Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios variety is listed as a special concern species and believed extirpated in Connecticut.[6]

Ethnobotany and uses

Phaseolus polystachios has been found in a few Native American archaeological sites in Oklahoma and Arkansas, with some evidence of artificial selection for indehiscent (non-shattering) pods.[7] Its fruit and seeds can reportedly be eaten in much the same way as cultivated Phaseolus, although they are smaller.[7]

Life history

Phaseolus polystachios exhibits hypogeal germination and is photoperiod sensitive, requiring day lengths greater than 10 hours to vine and flower.[8][9] It overwinters via a tuberous root system.[8][9]

Ecology

Phaseolus polystachios inhabits well-drained soils and slopes, generally woodlands and thickets, and may form colonies.[9] Their pods are eaten extensively by weevils.[4][9]

References
  1. Contu, S. (2012). "Phaseolus polystachios". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T19892040A20127299. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T19892040A20127299.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. "Plants Profile for Phaseolus polystachios (Thicket bean)". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  3. Delgado-Salinas, Alfonso; Bibler, Ryan; Lavin, Matt (2006-10-01). "Phylogeny of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae): A Recent Diversification in an Ancient Landscape". Systematic Botany. 31 (4): 779–791. doi:10.1600/036364406779695960. ISSN 0363-6445.
  4. "The Quest for the Wild Kidney Bean - The Plant Press". nmnh.typepad.com. Retrieved 2018-06-23.
  5. "Tropicos | Name - Phaseolus polystachios subsp. smilacifolius (Pollard) Freytag". www.tropicos.org. Retrieved 2018-06-23.
  6. "Connecticut's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species 2015". State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2 January 2017. (Note: This list is newer than the one used by plants.usda.gov and is more up-to-date.)
  7. "Phaseolus polystachios (L.) BSP. - Wild Bean | Paleoethnobotany Laboratory Guide". pages.wustl.edu. Retrieved 2018-06-23.
  8. Allard, H.A. (1943). "The probable relationship of Phaseolus polystachios to other species". Rhodora. 45: 169–170.
  9. Allard, H. A. (1947). "The ecology of the wild kidney bean Phaseolus polystachios (L.) BSP". Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences. 37 (9): 306–309. JSTOR 24531921.


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