Common Name: Frijolillo

General Information

Phaseolus filiformis is an annual to biennial, climbing plant growing from a fibrous rootstock with a long, narrow taproot. The twining stems scramble over the ground, climbing into nearby vegetation for support. Growth habit is very variable, ranging from small, almost bushy plants to large climbing vines[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

We have seen no specific reports for this species, but the mature seed of most, if not all, members of this genus contain various anti-nutritional factors. Soaking the seeds, discarding the water and then boiling them and discarding the water will remove these toxins and render the seeds safe and nutritious[].

Botanical References

Range

Southwestern N. Anerica - Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, northern Mexico (Baja Norte, Baja Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sonora)

Habitat

Desert areas, growing on sand dunes, rocky outcrops and talus slopes amongst shrubs and in low tree forests, especially in moister areas along dry wash stream beds and canyons; at elevations from near sea level to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual Climber
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Phaseolus filiformis is a plant of semi-arid to arid regions of the subtropical regions of southwestern USA and northern Mexico.
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Grows in the wild on clay soils, or silty to sandy, rock, and frequently alluvial loams from basalt, volcanic ash or limestone rocks[]. Some forms of the plant are very tolerant of saline soils[]. Plants are highly drought resistant[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[, ]. Boiled and eaten like lentils[]. The seedpod is 25 - 30mm long, 5 - 6mm wide, containing more or less rounded, brownish seeds 2 - 4mm in diameter[].

Young seedpods - cooked or fresh1438, , ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].