Phaseolus coccineus L.

Climbing perennial herb; stems moderately hairy, particularly in upper parts. Lvs sparsely to moderately hairy, especially on petioles; leaflets broadly ovate to deltoid, acute, entire, 30–100–(120) mm long; stipules ovate-triangular, c. 3–6 mm long; stipels narrower than stipules, 2–5 mm long. Infl. racemose, = or > lvs, (3)–6–20-flowered, with numerous bracteoles. Pedicels ± = fls. Calyx sparsely hairy; calyx teeth much < tube. Corolla usually scarlet, sometimes white, 15–30 mm long; beak of keel forming c. 11/2 turns of a spiral. Pod glabrous, brown, oblong and usually somewhat curved, 2–10-seeded, 10–30 cm long; seeds large, variable in shape and colour.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Nov.–Jan.