Common Bean🌿

An annual in the legume family, Phaseolus genus. Native to Central and South America and spread worldwide after the 15th century. Introduced to Japan in the early Edo period, traditionally attributed to the Zen priest Ingen via China (though some argue he introduced hyacinth bean instead). Cultivated as green beans (immature pods), kintoki-mame, tora-mame, te-bō-mame, and many other dry-bean cultivars. A major source of plant protein.

Identification Points

• ✓Climbing and bush-type cultivars exist
• ✓Trifoliate pinnate leaves with ovate leaflets
• ✓Papilionaceous 5-petaled flowers in white, pink, red, or purple; slender pods

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionマメ科 →