Fabaceae FAMILY

Phaseolus filiformis

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

We have seen no specific reports for this species, but the mature seed of most, if not all, members of this genus contain various anti-nutritional factors. Soaking the seeds, discarding the water and then boiling them and discarding the water will remove these toxins and render the seeds safe and nutritious[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].

Botanical Description

Phaseolus filiformis is an annual to biennial, climbing plant growing from a fibrous rootstock with a long, narrow taproot. The twining stems scramble over the ground, climbing into nearby vegetation for support. Growth habit is very variable, ranging from small, almost bushy plants to large climbing vines[ 1555 Title Taxonomy, Distribution, and Ecology of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) in North America, Mexico and Publication SIda, Botanical Mlscellany, No 23 Author Freytag G.F. & Debouck D.G. Website http://www.brit.org/sida Publisher Botanical Researeh Institute of Texas Year 2002 ISBN 1-889878-11-1 Description An excellent, detailed study of the genus Phaseolus, it has been made available on-line as an open access document. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeSouthwestern N. Anerica - Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, northern Mexico (Baja Norte, Baja Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sonora)

HabitatDesert areas, growing on sand dunes, rocky outcrops and talus slopes amongst shrubs and in low tree forests, especially in moister areas along dry wash stream beds and canyons; at elevations from near sea level to 1,200 metres[ 1555 Title Taxonomy, Distribution, and Ecology of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) in North America, Mexico and Publication SIda, Botanical Mlscellany, No 23 Author Freytag G.F. & Debouck D.G. Website http://www.brit.org/sida Publisher Botanical Researeh Institute of Texas Year 2002 ISBN 1-889878-11-1 Description An excellent, detailed study of the genus Phaseolus, it has been made available on-line as an open access document. ].