The common bean is a highly variable species with a long history. Bush varieties form erect bushes 20ââ¬â60àcm & x28;8ââ¬â20àin& x29; tall, while pole or running varieties formàvinesà2ââ¬â3àm & x28;7ââ¬â10àft& x29; long. All varieties bear alternate, green or purpleàleaves, which are divided into three oval, smooth-edged leaflets, each 6ââ¬â15àcm & x28;2ââ¬â6àin& x29; long and 3ââ¬â11àcm & x28;1ââ¬â4àin& x29; wide. The white, pink, or purpleàflowersàare about 1àcm long, and they give way to pods 8ââ¬â20àcm & x28;3ââ¬â8àin& x29; long and 1ââ¬â1.5àcm wide. These may be green, yellow, black, or purple in color, each containing 4ââ¬â6 beans. The beans are smooth, plump, kidney-shaped, up to 1.5àcm long, range widely in color, and are often mottled in two or more colors.
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