Description Runner Bean, State Half Runner Bean cultivation can be traced to the earliest vestiges of human civilization. Beans may have been the first vegetables that mankind learned to cultivate. Fava beans have been found in Neolithic excavations in Switzerland. Chickpeas, favas and lentils have been found in Egyptian tombs, and the Chinese started growing soybeans around 1500 BC. However, many of the beans that we are familiar with today, like the common or kidney, lima and runner bean came from the Americas and were not introduced into Europe until the time of Christopher Columbus. The oldest archaeological evidence of common beans in the New World comes from Tehuacan, Mexico and has been radiocarbon dated to 7000 BC Runner type beans are so named because of their incredibly long (up to 20 feet) vigorous vines. The half runners are the only runner type beans that have a somewhat compact habit (up to 3 feet). Runner beans are native to Mexico and Central America. In their native habitats, runner beans are perennials which form tuberous (poisonous) roots. However, in temperate climates the roots will not survive the winters. Today most runner beans are grown for their ornamental beauty. Runner vines produce a profusion of pure white, white and red or deep purple flowers. Beans can be eaten when they are very young or after they have been dried.
