Smile of Earth- 20

Flowers of Beans

Beans are among the most versatile and commonly eaten vegetables throughout the world. Many varieties are grown by farmers and people in their home gardens. Edible beans are nutrient-rich vegetables and they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, in addition to protein, fibre, a moderate amount of calories and other nutrients.

Cowpea-Vigna unguiculata

I have four varieties growing in my garden, as you can see in these pictures. Notice that the structure of the flowers is different from other flowers.
A bit of Botany here 🙂
The heart-shaped big petal is called the ‘standard petal’ and attracts pollinators such as bees. Next two petals are named ‘wing petals’ and the last pair that grows fused is called ‘keel petal’. All essential parts are enclosed within the keel petals.

Bean blossoms with the above configuration are said to be ‘papilionaceous’, meaning butterfly-like.

Flat beans- Phaseolus coccineus

Common bean- Phaseolus vulgaris

Indian broad beans- Lablab purpureus