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The Runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) belongs to Fabaceae (the Pea family). It is a perennial herb that is native from Mexico to Central America. It has thick caudexes and is a perennial in tropical regions and an annual in temperate regions. It is available as a vine or dwarf variety, with the vine growing 1 to 3 m long. In Japan, it is grown in Hokkaido, the Tohoku region, and the highlands of Nagano and Gunma prefectures in Honshu. It produces vermilion-red papillionaceous flowers from July to August, which turn into large tiger-spotted beans in the fall. Also known as "Hanamame" (flower bean) in Japan, it is used to make "nimame" (boiled beans), "anko" (red bean paste), "amanatto" (sweet soybeans), and other dishes. In Europe, fresh pods are used for food.
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