Phaseolus acutifolius A.Gray

A twining or sprawling bean plant. It is an annual herb. It grows 45-100 cm high and spreads 30-60 cm wide. The leaves are compound. They have 3-5 narrow, pointed, sword shaped leaflets. The primary leaves do no have stalks. The flowers are white or yellow on short stalks. The fruit are oblong seed pods. These are slightly hairy and green but dry to a straw colour. There are 2-10 seeds per pod. These are normally flat.

A tropical and subtropical plant. It can grow in hot dry regions. They do not do well in humid weather. It grows between 50 and 1920 m altitude. It requires an annual rainfall of 250-300 mm. It needs well drained soils. It needs a pH between 6.7-7.1. It can grow in arid places. It grows in the Sonoran Desert. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

The seeds are ground into flour and used for "instant" bean dishes. The seeds are eaten boiled or baked. They are used in soups and stews. The young tender pods are cooked and eaten. The leaves are tough so need to be cooked well.

Plants are grown from seed. Seed stored dry will remain viable for 3 years.