Leguminosae Phaseolus coccineus L.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
The Scarlet Runner Bean is grown mainly as an ornamental for its showy red
flowers, but the White Dutch varieties are grown for the edible pods and the
white mature seeds. Plants are strong growing, slender and vining, with large
leaves. Pods are 3 to 6 inches long and curved. Seeds are large, near an inch
long, flattened or near cylindrical.
In exposure and general culture, edible
varieties resemble pole snap beans. The edible types are sparingly grown in the
U.S., but are occasionally seen in markets, particularly in the Southwest. No
data are available on total production.