Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The common bean Phaseolus vulgaris is a member of that immense family of plants, the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) which comprises about 600 genera and about 13 000 species. The genus Phaseolus includes 150–200 species of plants many of which are cultivated as food or garden ornamentals. The specific name Phaseolus vulgaris refers to hundreds of varieties and cultivars of the common bean which has been in cultivation for thousands of years. Thus the name Phaseolus vulgaris refers equally to the kidney bean, navy bean, French bean, haricot bean, pinto bean, field beans, China bean, frijol, marrow bean, snap bean, black bean or white bean. What is important is to specify the type and variety of bean referred to following the use of the specific name. In this chapter, an attempt will be made to present as generalized a discussion of the common bean as is possible