The inheritance of triangular and ovate bracteoles was studied in three crosses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). Triangular bracteoles are found only in the Andean common bean, particularly in the Chile race, whereas ovate bracteoles are found in both Andean and Middle American germplasm. The inheritance of triangular bracteoles was found to be recessive to that of ovate bracteoles in beans from both origins. The dominant gene controlling the inheritance of ovate bracteoles in Andean (Redkloud) beans (Brc1) was different from that for Middle American (G 577) beans (Brc2).