Biogeographical and molecular observations on Phaseolus glabellus (Fabaceae, Phaseolinae) and its taxonomic status

The wild, red-flowered Phaseolus glabellus is generally considered either as a species of the P. coccineus complex or as a subspecies of P. coccineus. Biogeographic considerations as well as experimental hybridization, seed storage protein electrophoresis and cpDNA polymorphism point at its isolated taxonomic position and distinctness from P. coccineus. The position of P. glabellus in Phaseolus and its relationships with the remaining taxa of the P. coccineus complex are discussed