Year bean
Phaseolus polyanthus
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A herb. Plants can live for 2-4 years. The flowers have 6-16 fruit bearing stems. The flowers are white or lilac. Seed weigh 0.7-1 g each. Seed can be yellow or brown. See Phaseolus coccineus subsp. polyanthus
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits a humid climate and medium altitudes. It grows between 800-2600 m altitude. It suits cool, damp regions with one dry period per year. It prefers deep, organic, damp but well drained soils. It is best with a pH of 6.2-6.5. It can tolerate some shade.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America, Venezuela, West Indies
How it is used for food
The green seed is eaten. The dry seeds is eaten in soups and stews.
Edible parts
Seeds, leaves, flowers
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
The flowering time is 2-5 months.
Its other names
Local names
Botil, Piloya, Dzich, Piligue, Petaco, Cacha, Matatropa, Toda la vida