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]
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]
^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. ISSN0363-6445.
^ abAllard, H.A. (1943). "The probable relationship of Phaseolus polystachios to other species". Rhodora. 45: 169–170.
^ abcdAllard, 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. JSTOR24531921.
