Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Macroptilium gibbosifolium (Ortega) A. Delgado
(Orange Stringbean, Bush Bean)
Family: Fabaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Phaseolus heterophyllus Willdenow var. heterophyllus
Phaseolus heterophyllus Willdenow var. rotundifolius (Gray) Piper
Phaseolus macropoides Gray
Phaseolus rotundifolius Gray
Macroptilium gibbosifolium has ovate trifolate leaves and pinkish orange flowers. On rare occasions, a light yellow color can be found. Unlike other papilionaceous flowers, the banner is smaller than the wings. Like members of the genus Phaseolus, the keel is spirally coiled.
It is prostrate and viney. Macroptilium gibbosifolium is found on dry hillsides, on roadsides, and in ponderosa forest at middle elevations.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Macroptilium gibbosifolium, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Gomez Peak, Aug. 30, 2007
Macroptilium gibbosifolium, closeup of flowers, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009
Macroptilium gibbosifolium, closeup of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Meadow Creek, July 24, 2009
Macroptilium gibbosifolium, closeup of light yellow flowers, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, August 21, 2010
Macroptilium gibbosifolium, macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, just N of Ben Lily memorial along Hwy 15, August 28, 2021
Back to the Index