Phasemy-bean (Macroptilium lathyroides, Symb. Antill. 9: 457 (1928))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) Urb.

Bibliography: Symb. Antill. 9: 457 (1928)

Year: 1928

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Macroptilium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Phasemy-bean, scientifically known as Macroptilium lathyroides, is a noteworthy species within the vast and diverse family of Fabaceae. First classified extensively in 1928 by the botanist Urban, who recognized it in the “Symbolae Antillanae,” this plant has since piqued the interest of both botanists and horticulturists alike.

Native to the regions of tropical and subtropical America, the Phasemy-bean thrives in a variety of climates and environmental conditions. It is adaptable and resilient, characteristics that have allowed it to spread and establish itself across many countries within its natural range.

The Fabaceae family, to which the Phasemy-bean belongs, is renowned for its economic and ecological importance. Plants within this family are often utilized for their nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which improve soil health and fertility. Macroptilium lathyroides is no exception, engaging in a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth.

This leguminous plant is also recognized for its unique floral structures. It produces vibrant, pea-like flowers that are not only visually striking but also play a crucial role in attracting pollinators. These blooms give rise to pods containing the seeds, which contribute to the plant’s propagation.

Moreover, the Phasemy-bean’s robust growth habit and drought tolerance make it an excellent candidate for agricultural use, particularly in regions prone to adverse weather conditions. It can serve as a cover crop, helping to prevent soil erosion and maintain moisture levels. Its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen also supports subsequent crops, promoting sustainable farming practices.

In summary, Macroptilium lathyroides or the Phasemy-bean, is a significant species within the Fabaceae family, valued for its ecological benefits, adaptability, and role in sustainable agriculture. As a plant native to the tropics and subtropics of America, it continues to be an important subject of study and utilization in various agricultural and ecological applications.

Common Names

Deu: phasemybohne
Eng: wild bushbean, phasemy-bean, phasey-bean
Spa: frijolito de los arrozales, pico de aura
En: Phasemy-bean, Phasey-bean, Wild bushbean, Wild Bush-Bean, Hare’s-foot Fern, Pea Bean, Phasey Bean, Wild Bush Bean, Wild bean
Zh: Da yi dou, 大翼豆, 寬翼豆
Fr: Pois-poison
De: Phasemybohne
Ja: Nanban-akabana-azuki
Pt: Feijão-de-rola
Es: Frijolito de los arrozales, Pico de aura, Habichuela Parada
Zh-tw: 寬翼豆
Th: ถั่วผี
To: Piinivao
Zh-hant: 大翼豆

Synonyms

• Macroptilium lathyroides var. semierectum ((L.) Urb.)
• Phaseolus candidus f. maritimus ((Benth.) Hassl.)
• Phaseolus semierectus var. subhastatus (Benth.)
• Phaseolus semierectus var. gracilis (M.Gómez)
• Macroptilium lathyroides var. bustarretianum (Stehlé & Quentin)
• Phaseolus semierectus (L.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides f. repandus (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus hastifolius (Mart. ex Benth.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides f. typicus (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides f. hirsutus (Hassl.)
• Phasellus lathyroides ((L.) Moench)
• Phaseolus lathyroides f. chacoensis (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus psoraleoides (Wight & Arn.)
• Phaseolus semierectus var. nanus (Benth.)
• Macroptilium lathyroides var. angustifolium (Stehlé)
• Phaseolus strictus (A.Braun & C.D.Bouché)
• Lotus maritimus (Vell.)
• Phaseolus cinnabarinus (Salisb.)
• Phaseolus crotalarioides (Mart. ex Benth.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides (L.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides var. genuinus (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides var. hastifolius ((Mart. ex Benth.) Hassl.)
• Phaseolus lathyroides var. semierectus (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus semierectus var. angustifolius (Benth.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Jeremy Parans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by TheLifeOf Brandon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Rosita So (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Sekhar Singh (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Gomes Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Jeremy Parans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by TheLifeOf Brandon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − colinmorita (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 16, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 12, 2020 by Gladys Nazario (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2020 by Mélanie Herteman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2019 by Ujang Sahidin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 11, 2022 by bradnon bradnon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Jeremy Parans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2945063)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149066-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 2

Soil salinity: 1