Faboideae

Subfamily of Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Food, Plant source foods, Flowering plats (angiospermae), Mesangiosperms, Eudicots, Core eudicots, Superrosids, Rosids, Fabids (Eurosids I), Fabales, Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Availability: While precise data on the spread of this subfamily is lacking, it can be reasonably assumed, with minimal uncertainty. that its geographical range largely mirrors that of the Fabaceae family.

Note: For better understanding, please read the article on flowering plants (angiospermae) first. If you come across unfamiliar words, you can click on any highlighted term to open the glossary with definitions of key botanical terms.

Introduction

The Faboideae form a subfamily within the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) family of flowering plants. They are also known under the alternative designation Papilionoideae, or Papilionaceae when classified at the rank of a family. This group is geographically widespread, with species adapted to a broad spectrum of habitats and climatic conditions. Members of the Faboideae can take the form of trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants, displaying notable diversity in growth habits.

Description of Faboideae

The flower exhibits bilateral symmetry and the distinctive papilionaceous shape. Its corolla is formed by a large upper petal, the vexillum, positioned at the top and oriented upward; two lateral petals, resembling butterfly wings, known as wings; and two lower petals, fused at the base to create the keel.

The fruit is the typical pod characteristic of legumes. Many species develop root nodules caused by the microorganism Rhizobium leguminosarum, which plays a key role in atmospheric nitrogen fixation in the soil.

Classification of Faboideae

This subfamily is classified according to genus. Among its members are:

• Beans, genus Phaseolus (common bean, lima bean, runner bean, tepary bean)
• Beans, genus Vigna (adzuki bean, cowpea, mung bean)
• Broad beans
• Chickpeas
• Lupins
• Peas