Journal Article

In search of the original tepary bean, Phaseolus acutifolius Asa Gray (Leguminosae, Phaseoleae), in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas

author(s)

Debouck, Daniel G.

regions
  • United States of America
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full citation

Debouck, D.G.; Pratt, R.C.; Porch, T.G.; Bourland, B.; Santos-Melendez, L.G.; Guerrero Florez, G.; Dohle, S. (2026) In search of the original tepary bean, Phaseolus acutifolius Asa Gray (Leguminosae, Phaseoleae), in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas 20(3): p. 337-362. ISSN: 1934-5259

This note presents the search for the type locality of the tepary bean, Phaseolus acutifolius. Two specimens kept in the herbaria of Harvard (GH00064068) and Kew (K000900693) were considered as lectotype and isolectotype, respectively. The field notes left by the collector Charles Wright and the analysis of the exploration conditions in October 1849 pointed to original collecting in the North Mountain of Hueco Tanks in El Paso County, Texas. During this study, the location was revisited in September 2025 and seed for germplasm conservation was collected. The role of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in saving a unique cultural and biological heritage is highlighted.