ABSTRACT
Four small specimens of the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, also were recovered by fine-screening preceramic levels of the cave. Phaseolus vulgaris, its known wild relatives, and many other species germinate epigeally; that is, the cotyledons are raised. Phaseolus coccineus, its known relatives, and many other species are called hypogeal since their cotyledons remain below the soil surface. Since there are about 100 American Phaseolus species and only 2 germination patterns, it is evident that 2 species that share the same germination pattern are not necessarily closely related. Phaseolus heterophyllus, a prostrate or procumbent species, is also widespread and according to Zapotec informant Eligio Martínez is used occasionally for its edible fleshy root. The plants are locally abundant along road sides and in disturbed open areas. In such places significant quantities may be gathered quickly with only a sharpened stick or other simple digging tool.
