Status:
valid
Authors:
Piper
Source:
tro
Year:
1926
Citation Micro:
Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb.22: 688 (1926)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001052280
Common Names
- Phaseolus ovatifolius
- Ovate-Leaf Bean
- Ovate-Leaf Phaseolus
Description
Phaseolus ovatifolius (also called P. ovatifolia, among many other common names) is a species of bean in the Fabaceae family. It is an annual herb with a prostrate or ascending habit, reaching up to 40 cm in height. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, and is found in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, grasslands and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Phaseolus ovatifolius is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural dye for fabrics. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Phaseolus ovatifolius is a small, white or yellowish-white flower. The seed is a small, black, kidney-shaped bean. The seedlings are small, with two leaves and a short stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Phaseolus ovatifolius can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a moist medium. Both seed and cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they are well-rooted.
Where to Find Phaseolus ovatifolius
Phaseolus ovatifolius can be found in Central America, from Mexico to Panama.
Species in the Phaseolus genus
Phaseolus amblyosepalus,
Phaseolus glabellus,
Phaseolus oaxacanus,
Phaseolus pachyrrhizoides,
Phaseolus parvulus,
Phaseolus sonorensis,
Phaseolus tuerckheimii,
Phaseolus xanthotrichus,
Phaseolus maculatus,
Phaseolus acutifolius,
Phaseolus angustissimus,
Phaseolus filiformis,
Phaseolus micranthus,
Phaseolus microcarpus,
Phaseolus pedicellatus,
Phaseolus polymorphus,
Phaseolus polystachios,
Phaseolus nelsonii,
Phaseolus vulcanicus,
Phaseolus leptostachyus,
Phaseolus sinuatus,
Phaseolus coccineus,
Phaseolus lunatus,
Phaseolus massaiensis,
Phaseolus vulgaris,
Phaseolus plagiocylix,
Phaseolus augustii,
Phaseolus viridis,
Phaseolus rosei,
Phaseolus oligospermus,
Phaseolus carterae,
Phaseolus lignosus,
Phaseolus texensis,
Phaseolus hygrophilus,
Phaseolus amabilis,
Phaseolus atomifer,
Phaseolus chiapasanus,
Phaseolus esperanzae,
Phaseolus harmsianus,
Phaseolus jaliscanus,
Phaseolus macrolepis,
Phaseolus neglectus,
Phaseolus ovatifolius,
Phaseolus pulchellus,
Phaseolus salicifolius,
Phaseolus tenellus,
Phaseolus venosus,
Phaseolus dumosus,
Phaseolus leptophyllus,
Phaseolus mollis,
Species in the Fabaceae family