Definition

Noun: * A tropical American bean plant: A perennial legume plant (Phaseolus multiflorus), native to tropical America, characterized by red flowers and producing mottled black beans. It is similar to the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) but is a perennial species. Its beans are considered a preferred food bean in Great Britain.

Usage Notes

• Phaseolus multiflorus is the scientific, botanical name for this plant species. In everyday language, it is more commonly known by other names (see Variants and Related Words).
• This term is primarily used in academic, agricultural, or botanical contexts when precise species identification is required.
• It functions as a singular noun. Example: " is cultivated in some regions."

Examples

• The garden trial included several legume species, notably Phaseolus multiflorus.
• Phaseolus multiflorus, with its vibrant red flowers, can also be grown as an ornamental climber.
• Compared to the annual common bean, Phaseolus multiflorus offers the advantage of being a perennial.

Advanced Usage

• The name can be used in taxonomic or descriptive classifications.
  • The study focused on the nitrogen-fixing properties of the genus Phaseolus, specifically Phaseolus multiflorus.

Variants and Related Words

• Runner Bean: The most common common-name for , especially in culinary and gardening contexts.
• Multiflora Bean: Another name derived from its species epithet 'multiflorus', meaning 'many-flowered'.
• Butter Bean: In some contexts, particularly in the UK, this name can refer to the dried beans of the runner bean plant (), though it can also refer to other bean types (like lima beans), causing potential confusion.
• Phaseolus coccineus: This is the currently accepted and more modern botanical synonym for .

Synonyms

• Runner Bean (common name)
• Phaseolus coccineus (botanical synonym)

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Phaseolus vulgaris: The common bean (e.g., kidney bean, pinto bean, black bean), an annual plant to which is compared but is distinct from.
• Legume: The broader family of plants to which this species belongs.
• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years, a key distinguishing feature of this species.

Noun

1. tropical American bean with red flowers and mottled black beans similar to Phaseolus vulgaris but perennial; a preferred food bean in Great Britain