Fabaceae

Fabaceae belongs to the order Fabales. It is also known as Legume family, Pea family, Bean family, Pulse family, or Leguminosae.

The Fabaceae is one of the largest and most economically important plant families in the world. It includes trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants found across nearly every continent. Members of this family are easily recognized by their compound leaves, distinctive pea-like flowers, and fruit in the form of a pod (legume). Many species form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, enriching the soil and supporting sustainable agriculture.

A key commercial example is Glycine max, the soybean. Native to East Asia, it’s now cultivated globally for its protein-rich seeds, which are used in food, animal feed, and industrial products. Other important crops in this family include beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, and alfalfa, making Fabaceae central to global food systems and agroecology.



Total genera found for Fabaceae: 37



Total plants found for Fabaceae: 63