snap bean

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• snap bean
• runner-bean
• scarlet-runner-bean
• multiflora bean
• runner bean
• scarlet runner
• Scarlet Runner Bean

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Phaseolus multiflorus var. bicolor
• Lipusa multiflora var. niger
• Phaseolus coccineus var. tridentatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. zongolicensis
• Lipusa multiflora var. lucida
• Phaseolus coccineus var. pubescens
• Phaseolus coccineus var. parvibracteolatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. minuticicatricatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. lineatibracteolatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. guatemalensis
• Phaseolus coccineus var. griseus
• Phaseolus coccineus subsp. formosus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. condensatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. timilpanensis
• Phaseolus coccineus var. strigillosus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. striatus
• Phaseolus coccineus subsp. striatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. splendens
• Phaseolus coccineus var. semperbracteolatus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. rigidicaulis
• Phaseolus coccineus var. purpurascens
• Phaseolus coccineus var. pringlei
• Phaseolus bicolor
• Phaseolus griseus
• Phaseolus formosus
• Phaseolus striatus
• Lipusa formosa
• Phaseolus coccineus subsp. obvallatus
• Phaseolus multiflorus var. coccineus
• Lipusa multiflora var. coccinea
• Lipusa multiflora var. bicolor
• Phaseolus vulgaris var. coccineus
• Phaseolus multiflorus var. niger
• Phaseolus sylvestris
• Phaseolus superbus
• Phaseolus strigillosus
• Phaseolus leiosepalus
• Phaseolus multiflorus var. albiflorus
• Phaseolus coccineus var. argenteus
• Phaseolus obvallatus
• Phaseolus prorifirus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Phaseolus coccineus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Phaseolus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found in both Germany and the Czechia-Slovakia region. Its range extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically encompassing Bulgaria. Finally, the distribution reaches into Eastern Europe through Belarus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phaseolus coccineus is defined by its adaptability to varying altitudinal gradients, primarily thriving in lowland environments. It occupies a broad vertical distribution within its ecosystem, ranging from a minimum elevation of 1000 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 2850 m AMSL. This significant elevational range suggests that the species can tolerate a variety of microclimates and environmental conditions found across different montane and sub-montane zones.

Elevational range max:

2850 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Habitat :

Lowland

Life history

The life history of Phaseolus coccineus is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, completing its entire developmental cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. In terms of its biological structure and survival strategy, the species exhibits characteristics consistent with both a therophyte and a hemicryptophyte. As a therophyte, it primarily survives the unfavorable seasons as a dormant seed, rapidly advancing through its vegetative and reproductive stages when environmental conditions become favorable. Simultaneously, its life form as a hemicryptophyte implies that its perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or soil, which allows it to navigate seasonal transitions effectively while maintaining its rapid annual lifecycle.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Phaseolus coccineus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This species functions as an obligatory vine, exhibiting a climbing habit that allows it to reach various heights depending on environmental support. The plant typically maintains a height ranging from a minimum of 2 m to a maximum of 5 m, with an average plant height of approximately 3 m. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior and grows independently rather than as a parasite.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Phaseolus coccineus is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. As a non-carnivorous species, it relies on traditional autotrophic methods for nutrient acquisition rather than trapping prey. The plant plays a vital role in soil nutrient cycling due to its capacity as a nitrogen fixer, engaging in symbiotic relationships to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Morphologically, its foliage is consistent in dimension, maintaining a leaf width that is measured at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 13 cm.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf width mean:

13 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Phaseolus coccineus is characterized by a seasonal flowering period that typically begins in June and concludes in August. The plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects with a notable preference for bees to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Self-fertilization is present within the species, ensuring reproductive success. Following pollination, the plant develops fruit in the form of a capsule, which reaches a mean length of 20 cm. These capsules are dehiscent, meaning they split open to release seeds at maturity. The resulting seeds exhibit a varying mass, with a minimum weight of 0.801 g, a mean mass of 1.066 g, and a maximum mass of 1.297 g. Seed dispersal follows a zoochorous syndrome, where animals play a role in the distribution of the offspring throughout its habitat.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length mean:

20 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

1.297 g

Seed mass mean:

1.066 g

Seed mass min:

0.801 g

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Phaseolus coccineus has 66 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2'-Hydroxydihydrodaidzein, 2'-Hydroxygenistein, 2'-Hydroxyisoprunetin, 5-Methylcytosine, 7beta,13-Dihydroxykaurenolide.

2'-Hydroxydihydrodaidzein

1. Dr. Duke

2'-Hydroxygenistein

1. Dr. Duke

2'-Hydroxyisoprunetin

1. Dr. Duke

5-Methylcytosine

1. Experimental cell research

7beta,13-Dihydroxykaurenolide

1. Dr. Duke

ABSCISIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

CHROMIUM

1. Dr. Duke

COBALT

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Phaseolus coccineus has 335 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include ACE-Inhibitor, Abortifacient, Acidulant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic.

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Amphiglycemic?

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations