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Copyright © 2014 John Doyen |
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| Copyright © 2014 John Doyen |
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Summary
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 ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as food. Slimjim bean (Phaseolus filiformis) is a wild desert legume with edible mature seeds, safe only after thorough boiling to remove toxic lectins. Traditionally used as a food by Native Americans, the beans are similar to cultivated varieties in flavor but smaller and harder to collect due to explosive pods. USDA Zones 7–10; US native, not invasive.
Physical Characteristics
Phaseolus filiformis is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Heterotypic Synonyms: P. sanctorum M.E.Jones . P. wrightii A.Gray.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Seed—cooked [1438, 1555]. Boiled and eaten like lentils[1556 ]. The seedpod is 25 - 30mm long, 5 - 6mm wide, and contains more or less rounded, brownish seeds 2 - 4mm in diameter[1555 ]. In the Pinacate region of Sonora, people eat this plant's pods and dry seeds as food. Slimjim bean (Phaseolus filiformis) belongs to the bean family (Fabaceae) and is one of several wild Phaseolus species found in the American Southwest. Like all members of this genus, its mature seeds (beans) are edible only after thorough boiling. Eating raw or undercooked beans can be dangerous, as they contain potent lectins (phytohemagglutinins) along with other anti-nutritive compounds such as trypsin inhibitors and phytates. These substances can cause digestive distress, immune system disruption, and even potentially fatal effects if consumed in quantity without proper preparation. Boiling neutralizes most of these compounds, making the beans safe to eat, but they should never be eaten raw. Wild beans, particularly the tepary beans closely related to slimjim bean, were an important traditional food for Native Americans of the Southwest. They were domesticated in Mexico over 2,000 years ago and remain a resilient crop in hot, dry climates. Slimjim bean produces mature seeds that can be gathered in early to mid-autumn. The pods begin as dull green and turn brown and brittle at maturity, often splitting open and scattering the beans. Foragers must be attentive, as the pods release their seeds suddenly and only a few mature at a time. While the beans themselves are small compared to cultivated varieties, their flavor, texture, and aroma are very similar to store-bought beans, with no harsh or unpleasant notes. Once boiled, they provide a reliable and nutritious food source [2-3].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Nitrogen Fixer. This plant is a distant relative of common beans and tepary beans and may be useful for improving these crops because of its genes.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Phaseolus filiformis is a semi-arid plant to arid regions of the subtropical regions of southwestern USA and northern Mexico. Requires a sunny position in well-drained soil. Grows in the wild on clay soils, or silty to sandy, rock, and frequently alluvial loams from basalt, volcanic ash or limestone rocks[1555 ]. Some plant forms are very tolerant of saline soils[1555 ]. Plants are highly drought resistant[1438 ]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, which form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilised by the growing plant, but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[755 ]. The upper elevation limit is 1,200 metres. Lower elevation limit 0 metres. Suitable for Forest and Shrubland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry. Marine Coastal/Supratidal - Coastal Sand Dunes. USDA Hardiness Zones: Approximately Zones 7–10, reflecting its adaptation to the hot, dry conditions of the southwestern United States. Weed/Invasiveness: As a native species, slimjim bean is not generally considered weedy or invasive. However, like many wild beans, it can be vigorous in favorable habitats.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[K ].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Slimjim bean
Native Range
Native to: Arizona, California, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, New Mexico, Texas. Introduced into: Colombia.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.
As a native species, slimjim bean is not generally considered weedy or invasive. However, like many wild beans, it can be vigorous in favorable habitats.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern.
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Expert comment
Author
Benth.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Phaseolus filiformis
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