Common Bean: Naga Pole
(Phaseolus vulgaris)

Phaseolus vulgaris is a vining (indeterminate) or bush-type (pseudo-determinate) herbaceous annual. Vining types are perennial and reach 2-5 m in length. Bush-types are annuals and reach heights of 20-60 cm. Pubescent leaves are trifoliate, present alternately on the stem, and range from green to purple in color. Inflorescence can reach 15-35 cm in length and bear white-to-purple flowers. Green or yellow pods reach lengths of 20 cm, can be straight or curved, and contain 4-12 seeds each. Seeds are kidney-shaped, and can be one of many colors: white, red, green, brown, purple, black, or speckled.

From NE India. Produces tender, sweet pods about 12 cm (5 in) in length. Seeds are brown with a distinctive swirled pattern.