Fabaceae FAMILY

Phaseolus polystachios

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

We have seen no specific reports for this species, but the mature seed of most, if not all, members of this genus contain various anti-nutritional factors. Soaking the seeds, discarding the water and then boiling them and discarding the water will remove these toxins and render the seeds safe and nutritious[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].

Botanical Description

Phaseolus polystachios is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant growing from a thick, fleshy and much-branched rootstock that can be up to 20cm long. The twining stems can be 3 - 4 metres long, they scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation for support[ 1555 Title Taxonomy, Distribution, and Ecology of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) in North America, Mexico and Publication SIda, Botanical Mlscellany, No 23 Author Freytag G.F. & Debouck D.G. Website http://www.brit.org/sida Publisher Botanical Researeh Institute of Texas Year 2002 ISBN 1-889878-11-1 Description An excellent, detailed study of the genus Phaseolus, it has been made available on-line as an open access document. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeEastern and southern N. America - Iowa to Maine, south to Texas and Florida

HabitatClimbing on shrubs and young trees in moist thickets, clearings and edges of deciduous forests, in deep swamps and sometimes on dry sandy, dry shale and rocky hillsides[ 1555 Title Taxonomy, Distribution, and Ecology of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) in North America, Mexico and Publication SIda, Botanical Mlscellany, No 23 Author Freytag G.F. & Debouck D.G. Website http://www.brit.org/sida Publisher Botanical Researeh Institute of Texas Year 2002 ISBN 1-889878-11-1 Description An excellent, detailed study of the genus Phaseolus, it has been made available on-line as an open access document. ].