1. Glycine max (L.) Merrill (syn.: G. hispida (Moench) Maxim.) (E-As.) – A regular but strictly ephemeral alien, usually germinating from introduced beans on unloading quays. Apparently first collected at the quay of a grain mill in Turnhout in 1980 (as Phaseolus spec.). Since about 1990 seen most years, especially in the ports of Antwerpen and Gent, sometimes in abundance (Lambinon 1991). Occasionally seen elsewhere, for instance in Izegem in 1996.
Glycine max superficially looks like Phaseolus spec. and Vigna spec. From Phaseolus it is readily distinguished by its inconspicuous flowers and the coarser, reddish-brown indumentum. Vigna is very similar but has broadly ovate stipules (instead of narrowly triangular) and erect (instead of pendent) pods (see also Clement 1977 and 1982).
Selected literature:
Clement E.J. (1977) Adventive news 7. Bean sprouts. BSBI News 15: 11 (+ frontcover).
Clement E.J. (1982) Aliens and adventives. Adventive news 22. Mixed bag. BSBI News 30: 12-14.
Lambinon J. (1991) Adventices grainières et autres plantes intéressantes observées en 1990 au port d’Anvers (Belgique). Dumortiera 49: 1-6.