荷包豆 he bao dou

Phaseolus multiflorus Willdenow.

Perennial herbs, twining, usually annual crop in temperate zone. Stems pubescent or glabrous. Stipules small, inconspic­uous; leaflets ovate or obovate-rhombic, 7.5-12.5 × 7.5-12.5 cm or more, pubescent or glabrous on both surfaces, apex acu­minate or slightly obtuse. Racemes longer than leaves, several flowered at top of rachis. Bracteoles oblong-lanceolate, ca. as long as calyx or slightly longer. Calyx broadly campanulate, glabrous or sparsely pilose; teeth shorter than tube, upper lip tri­angular. Corolla generally scarlet, occasionally white or varie­gated (red and white), 1.5-2 cm. Legumes falcate-oblong, (5-)16(-30) × ca. 1.5 cm. Seeds deep purple with red spots, black, or red, rarely white, broadly oblong, 1.8-2.5 × 1.2-1.4 cm. Fl. Apr-Jul.

Cultivated. Guizhou, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan [native to tropical America; widely cultivated elsewhere].

This species is used for food and as an ornamental.