Runner bean

The runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) is a kind of bean commonly grown in gardens. It is also known as scarlet runner bean or multiflora bean. It is part of the Fabaceae, which also contains other legumes. It may also be called butter bean, but that name can also be used for the Lima bean, which is a different species. The runner bean originally grew in South America. It was brought to Europe in the 17th century.

Runner bean
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Phaseolus
Species:	P. coccineus
Binomial name
Phaseolus coccineus L.
Synonyms
List Lipusa formosa (Kunth) Alef. Lipusa multiflora Alef. Phaseolus flavescens Piper Phaseolus formosus Kunth Phaseolus griseus Piper Phaseolus harmsianus Diels Phaseolus leiosepalus Piper Phaseolus multiflorus Lam. Phaseolus multiflorus Willd. Phaseolus obvallatus Schltdl. Phaseolus polyanthus Greenm. Phaseolus prorifirus M.E. Jones Phaseolus striatus Brandegee Phaseolus strigillosus Piper Phaseolus superbus A.DC. Phaseolus sylvestris Kunth Phaseolus vulgaris var. coccineus L.

Fruit of the runner bean are commonly sold like this.

Runner beans are more resistant to cold than Great northern beans. For this reason, runner beans are commonly cultivated in Europe, also in higher altitudes. Today, the runner bean is either grown as an ornamental plants, or to get food. Usually, poles of a height of 4 metres (13 ft) to 5 metres (16 ft) are commonly used, when the plant is grown in the garden. Note also, that in Europe, runner beans die in winter, because they do not support the cold, for a prolonged period of time.