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What is a Fabaceae?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

The Fabaceae family consists mostly of flowering legume and pea plants. Fabaceae is considered the third-largest flowering plant family, after Asteraceae, the aster family, and Orchidaceae, the orchid family. The flowering plant family Fabaceae includes about 18,000 species and 400 genera of flowering, leguminous plants. Members of this plant family include several commonly cultivated plants. Trees, herbs, vines, and shrubs belonging to this plant family are native to all regions of the world.

Members of the plant family Fabaceae typically produce leguminous fruit and this trait is considered one of the family's defining characteristics. Species from this plant family can be found around the globe. Woody, shrub-like or tree-like species are generally indigenous to warmer, more tropical areas, while herbaceous species usually grow in cooler temperate climates. Some members of the Fabaceae family are commonly cultivated, and considered to be of great economic importance. The soybean, or Glycine max; the peanut, or Arachis hypogaea; the garden pea, or Pisum sativum; and alfalfa, or Medicago sativa are among these economically important species.

Peas are members of the Fabaceae family.
Peas are members of the Fabaceae family.

Some members of the Fabaceae family produce mostly pea-like blossoms, like members of the sub-family Papilionoideae. The peanut is a member of this sub-family, as is the sweet pea and the black locust. Members of the sub-family Caesalpinioideae typically produce bilateral blossoms with five separate petals. Members of this sub-family include the tamarind, the Jerusalem thorn and the carob. Members of the sub-family Mimosoideae generally produce large blooms that grow in spikes or produce flower-heads of multiple blooms, such as the powder puff, or the mesquite.

Carob trees belong to a sub-family of Fabaceae.
Carob trees belong to a sub-family of Fabaceae.

Many plants in the Fabaceae family may be familiar as lawn weeds. Trifolium repens, commonly known as white clover, is one of these. Desmodium trifolium, or tick clover, is another. Many members of the family are sometimes used as livestock fodder in their countries of origin, such as the butterfly pea, or Clitoria ternatea. The wood of the Burmese rosewood, or Pterocarpus indicus, is considered valuable by carpenters and cabinet-makers. Another member of this plant family, Indigofera suffruticosa, or West Indian indigo, has been historically used as a source of blue dye.

White clover is a member of the Fabaceae family.
White clover is a member of the Fabaceae family.

The one characteristic that almost all members of this family of flowering plants have in common is the production of leguminous fruits. Almost all of these plants produce seed-filled pods. The peanut is probably the only member of this family whose pods develop beneath the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fabaceae family and why is it important?

The peanut is the only member of the fabaceae family whose pods develop beneath the soil.
The peanut is the only member of the fabaceae family whose pods develop beneath the soil.

The Fabaceae family, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, is a large and economically significant group of flowering plants. It includes species that are critical for agriculture and ecosystems, such as peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts. These plants are renowned for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

How many species are there in the Fabaceae family?

With over 19,500 species spread across approximately 750 genera, the Fabaceae family is the third-largest family of flowering plants. Its members are incredibly diverse, ranging from towering trees to sprawling vines and compact herbs, playing vital roles in various ecosystems and agricultural systems worldwide.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of Fabaceae plants?

Fabaceae plants are recognized by their compound leaves, which are often arranged in pairs along the stem, and their distinctive flowers, which typically have a unique structure known as a "keel," formed by two fused petals. Additionally, they produce fruit in the form of a pod, which contains multiple seeds and splits open when mature.

Can Fabaceae plants improve soil health?

Yes, Fabaceae plants are renowned for their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which live in nodules on the plant's roots. This partnership allows the plants to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by other plants, thus improving soil fertility. This natural process is crucial for sustainable agriculture and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Are there any medicinal uses for Fabaceae plants?

Many Fabaceae species have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. For example, the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Research continues to explore the potential health benefits of these plants, including their use in treating various ailments and diseases.

What role do Fabaceae plants play in food security?

Fabaceae plants are a cornerstone of food security for millions of people worldwide. They are a primary source of protein, especially in regions where meat is scarce or expensive. Their ability to grow in challenging environments and improve soil health also makes them a sustainable choice for ensuring a reliable food supply in the face of climate change.

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    • Peas are members of the Fabaceae family.
      By: sevenk
      Peas are members of the Fabaceae family.
    • Carob trees belong to a sub-family of Fabaceae.
      By: anastigmat
      Carob trees belong to a sub-family of Fabaceae.
    • White clover is a member of the Fabaceae family.
      By: Farmer
      White clover is a member of the Fabaceae family.
    • The peanut is the only member of the fabaceae family whose pods develop beneath the soil.
      By: pilotl39
      The peanut is the only member of the fabaceae family whose pods develop beneath the soil.