Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

In traditional medicine a root decoction is taken against malaria or applied to swollen eyes.
Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Phaseolus+coccineus

Other use

Edible. The immature seedpods either raw or cooked have a pleasant, mild flavour and are widely used as a vegetable in many areas of the world. The immature seed is used like shelled beans as a vegetable. The protein-rich mature seeds can be dried and stored for future use. They need to be thoroughly cooked before being eaten in order to destroy a toxic principle. They are soaked for 12 hours prior to use and are eaten boiled or added to soups etc. The seed can also be ground into a powder and added to cereal flours for making protein-enriched bread etc. The flowers can be eaten raw and have a bean-like taste. The young leaves can be cooked and used as a potherb and the cooked root is rich in starch.
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Phaseolus+coccineus

Geographical distribution

  • Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Central
  • Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Gulf
  • Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Northeast
  • Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Northwest
  • Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Southeast
  • Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Southwest
  • Southern America, Central America, Guatemala
  • Southern America, Central America, Honduras
  • Southern America, Central America, Nicaragua
  • Southern America, Central America, Panamá

Phaseolus coccineus L. 'Scarlet Emperor'

Family: FABACEAE
Genus: Phaseolus
Species: coccineus L.
Cultivar: 'Scarlet Emperor'
Common names: Runner bean, Scarlet runner
Distribution summary: Mexico to Central America
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: H2 - Tender; cool or frost-free greenhouse
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Europe & Middle East (J)
Reason for growing: Medicinal


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