The botanical group Phaseolus lunatus is believed to be native to the Andes and Mesoamerica and dates back to as early as 2000 BC. Evidence of lima bean types can be found in the drawings on pottery that date back to the time of the ancient Incans indicating their importance as a food crop there. The Dixie Butter bean botanically is considered a type of lima bean though culinarily in many places it is considered to be in a category all its own. In the southern United States specifically a small seeded type of Phaseolus lunatus are referred to as butter peas. The Dixie Butter Bean has been a staple in the southern United States since the 1700’s and still today is celebrated during its brief season in the summer months. Like most shelling bean varieties, the Dixie Butter bear thrives in warm to hot growing conditions and once established will be drought tolerant.