Phaseolus lunatus L. (Lima bean)

Crop Type: Garden Crop

Breeding system: Predominantly autogamous

The genus Phaseolus accounts over 70 different species of which only five show signs of domestication: P. vulgaris L., P. lunatus L., P. acutifolius A. Gray., P. coccineus and P. dumosus Mcfady (Delgado-Salinas et al. 2006). These five species have distinct geographical distribution and reproductive systems.

Phaseolus lunatus L., commonly known as the lima bean or butter bean, is a perennial legume belonging to the Fabaceae family grown for its edible seeds or beans. Phaseolus lunatus is found in Meso- and South America.

The lima bean is a predominantly self-pollinating plant, with occasional occurrence of insect-mediated cross-pollination.

References

Delgado-Salinas A, Bibler R, Lavin M (2006) Phylogeny of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae): A Recent Diversification in an Ancient Landscape. Syst Bot 31:779–791. doi: 10.1600/036364406779695960

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