Plant Family: Fabaceae

Fabaceae: A Plant Family Close to My Heart

As a plant enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the sheer diversity and ecological significance of the Fabaceae family. Also known as legumes, this family encompasses a vast array of plants, from towering trees to delicate wildflowers, all united by their unique fruit structure – the legume pod. In this article, I’ll share my fascination with this remarkable plant family, delving into its key characteristics, ecological importance, and some of its most notable members.

The Distinguishing Features of Fabaceae

What sets Fabaceae apart from other plant families is their distinctive legume pod, a dry fruit that splits along two seams to release its seeds. This simple yet ingenious design has enabled legumes to disperse their seeds effectively, contributing to their widespread distribution across the globe.

Another hallmark of Fabaceae is their ability to form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, enriching the soil and benefiting both the legumes and surrounding vegetation. This unique trait makes legumes invaluable in sustainable agriculture, as they can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Ecological Importance of Legumes

Fabaceae plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their nitrogen-fixing ability enhances soil fertility, promoting plant growth and biodiversity. Legumes also serve as a vital food source for various animals, including insects, birds, and mammals. Their flowers attract pollinators, contributing to the reproduction of countless plant species. Moreover, the extensive root systems of many legumes help prevent soil erosion, safeguarding ecosystems from degradation.

Genera

The Fabaceae family boasts an impressive diversity of genera, each with its unique characteristics and ecological roles.

• Astragalus: This genus encompasses a wide range of herbaceous perennials and shrubs, known for their beautiful flowers and medicinal properties. Some Astragalus species are used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system and support overall health.
• Lupinus: Commonly known as lupines, these plants are prized for their vibrant flower spikes and their ability to improve soil quality. Lupines are also cultivated as a source of protein-rich seeds for human and animal consumption.
• Trifolium: This genus includes various clover species, which are widely recognized for their three-lobed leaves and their role in nitrogen fixation. Clovers are essential components of pastures and meadows, providing forage for livestock and supporting pollinators.
• Glycine: This genus is home to the soybean, a globally significant crop cultivated for its oil and protein-rich seeds. Soybeans are used in a wide range of food products and are also a crucial source of animal feed.
• Phaseolus: This genus encompasses various bean species, including common beans, kidney beans, and lima beans. These legumes are staples in many cuisines worldwide, providing essential nutrients and dietary fiber.
• Abarema Pittier
• Abrus Adans.
• Acacia Mill.
• Acaciella Britton & Rose
• Acmispon Raf.
• Acosmium Schott
• Acrocarpus Wight ex Arn.
• Adenanthera L.
• Adenocarpus DC.
• Adenodolichos Harms
• Adenolobus (Harv. ex Benth.) Torre & Hillc.
• Adenopodia C.Presl
• Adesmia DC.
• Adinobotrys Dunn
• Aenictophyton A.T.Lee
• Aeschynomene L.
• Afgekia Craib
• Afroamphica H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Afzelia Sm.
• Aganope Miq.
• Airyantha Brummitt
• Akschindlium H.Ohashi
• Alantsilodendron Villiers
• Albizia Durazz.
• Aldina Endl.
• Alexa Moq.
• Alhagi Tourn. ex Gagnebin
• Alistilus N.E.Br.
• Almaleea Crisp & P.H.Weston
• Alysicarpus Desv.
• Amblygonocarpus Harms
• Amburana Schwacke & Taubert
• Amherstia Wall.
• Amicia Kunth
• Ammodendron Fisch. ex DC.
• Ammopiptanthus S.H.Cheng
• Amorpha L.
• Amphicarpaea Elliott ex Nutt.
• Amphimas Pierre ex Harms
• Amphiodon Huber
• Amphithalea Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Anadenanthera Speg.
• Anagyris L.
• Anarthrophyllum Benth.
• Ancistrotropis A.Delgado
• Andira Lam.
• Androcalymma Dwyer
• Angylocalyx Taub.
• Annea Mackinder & Wieringa
• Anonychium Schweinf.
• Antheroporum Gagnep.
• Anthonotha P.Beauv.
• Anthyllis L.
• Antopetitia A.Rich.
• Aotus Sm.
• Aphanocalyx Oliv.
• Aphyllodium (DC.) Gagnep.
• Apios Fabr.
• Apoplanesia C.Presl
• Apuleia Mart.
• Apurimacia Harms
• Arachis L.
• Arapatiella Rizzini & A.Mattos
• Archidendron F.Muell.
• Archidendropsis I.C.Nielsen
• Arcoa Urb.
• Argyrocytisus (Maire) Frodin & Heywood ex Raynaud
• Argyrolobium Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Arquita Gagnon, G.P.Lewis & C.E.Hughes
• Arthroclianthus Baill.
• Aspalathus L.
• Ateleia (DC.) D.Dietr.
• Aubrevillea Pellegr.
• Augouardia Pellegr.
• Austrocallerya J.Compton & Schrire
• Austrodolichos Verdc.
• Austrosteenisia R.Geesink
• Baikiaea Benth.
• Balsamocarpon Clos
• Baphia Afzel. ex G.Lodd.
• Baphiastrum Harms
• Baphiopsis Benth. ex Baker
• Baptisia Vent.
• Barbieria DC.
• Barklya F.Muell.
• Barnebydendron J.H.Kirkbr.
• Batesia Spruce ex Benth. & Hook.f.
• Baudouinia Baill.
• Bauhinia Plum. ex L.
• Behaimia Griseb.
• Berlinia Sol. ex Hook.f. & Benth.
• Betencourtia A.St.-Hil.
• Biancaea Tod.
• Bikinia Wieringa
• Bionia Mart. ex Benth.
• Biserrula L.
• Bituminaria Heist. ex Fabr.
• Blanchetiodendron Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Bobgunnia J.H.Kirkbr. & Wiersema
• Bocoa Aubl.
• Boliviadendron E.R.Souza & C.E.Hughes
• Bolusafra Kuntze
• Bolusanthus Harms
• Bolusia Benth.
• Bossiaea Vent.
• Bouffordia H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Bowdichia Kunth
• Bowringia Champ. ex Benth.
• Brachycylix (Harms) R.S.Cowan
• Brachypterum (Wight & Arn.) Benth.
• Brachystegia Benth.
• Bracteolaria Hochst.
• Brandzeia Baill.
• Brenierea Humbert
• Brodriguesia R.S.Cowan
• Brongniartia Kunth
• Brownea Jacq.
• Browneopsis Huber
• Brya P.Browne
• Bryaspis P.A.Duvign.
• Burkea Benth.
• Burkilliodendron Sastry
• Bussea Harms
• Butea Roxb. ex Willd.
• Cadia Forssk.
• Caesalpinia Plum. ex L.
• Caetangil L.P.Queiroz
• Cajanus Adans.
• Calicotome Link
• Callerya Endl.
• Calliandra Benth.
• Calliandropsis H.M.Hern. & Guinet
• Callistachys Vent.
• Calobota Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Calophaca Fisch.
• Calopogonium Desv.
• Calpocalyx Harms
• Calpurnia E.Mey.
• Camoensia Welw. ex Benth.
• Campsiandra Benth.
• Camptosema Hook. & Arn.
• Campylotropis Bunge
• Canavalia DC.
• Candolleodendron R.S.Cowan
• Caragana Lam.
• Carmichaelia R.Br.
• Carrissoa Baker f.
• Cascaronia Griseb.
• Cassia L.
• Castanospermum A.Cunn. ex Mudie
• Cathormion (Benth.) Hassk.
• Cedrelinga Ducke
• Cenostigma Tul.
• Centrolobium Mart. ex Benth.
• Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
• Ceratonia L.
• Cercis L.
• Cerradicola L.P.Queiroz
• Chadsia Bojer
• Chamaecrista (L.) Moench
• Chamaecytisus Link
• Chapmannia Torr. & A.Gray
• Cheniella R.Clark & Mackinder
• Chesneya Lindl. ex Endl.
• Chidlowia Hoyle
• Chloroleucon (Benth.) Record
• Chorizema Labill.
• Christia Moench
• Cicer L.
• Cladrastis Raf.
• Clathrotropis (Benth.) Harms
• Cleobulia Mart. ex Benth.
• Clianthus Sol. ex Lindl.
• Clitoria L.
• Clitoriopsis R.Wilczek
• Cochlianthus Benth.
• Cochliasanthus Trew
• Codariocalyx Hassk.
• Cojoba Britton & Rose
• Collaea DC.
• Cologania Kunth
• Colophospermum J.Léonard
• Colutea L.
• Colvillea Bojer ex Hook.
• Condylostylis Piper
• Conzattia Rose
• Copaifera L.
• Cordeauxia Hemsl.
• Cordyla Lour.
• Corethrodendron Fisch. & Basiner
• Coronilla L.
• Coulteria Kunth
• Coursetia DC.
• Craibia Harms & Dunn
• Cranocarpus Benth.
• Craspedolobium Harms
• Cratylia Mart. ex Benth.
• Cristonia J.H.Ross
• Crotalaria L.
• Cruddasia Prain
• Crudia Schreb.
• Cryptosepalum Benth.
• Ctenodon Baill.
• Cullen Medik.
• Cyamopsis DC.
• Cyathostegia (Benth.) Schery
• Cyclocarpa Afzel. ex Urb.
• Cyclolobium Benth.
• Cyclopia Vent.
• Cylicodiscus Harms
• Cymbosema Benth.
• Cynometra L.
• Cytisophyllum O.Lang
• Cytisopsis Jaub. & Spach
• Cytisus Desf.
• Dahlstedtia Malme
• Dalbergia L.f.
• Dalbergiella Baker f.
• Dalea L.
• Dalhousiea Graham ex Benth.
• Daniellia Benn.
• Daprainia H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Daviesia Sm.
• Decorsea R.Vig.
• Deguelia Aubl.
• Delgadoana U.B.Deshmukh, M.B.Shende, E.S.Reddy & Mungole
• Delonix Raf.
• Dendrolobium (Wight & Arn.) Benth.
• Denisophytum R.Vig.
• Dermatophyllum Scheele
• Derris Lour.
• Desmanthus Willd.
• Desmodiastrum (Prain) A.Pramanik & Thoth.
• Desmodiopsis (Schindl.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Desmodium Desv.
• Detarium Juss.
• Dewevrea Micheli
• Dialium L.
• Dichilus DC.
• Dichrostachys (A.DC.) Wight & Arn.
• Dicorynia Benth.
• Dicraeopetalum Harms
• Dicymbe Spruce ex Benth. & Hook.f.
• Didelotia Baill.
• Dillwynia Sm.
• Dimorphandra Schott
• Dinizia Ducke
• Dioclea Kunth
• Diphyllarium Gagnep.
• Diphysa Jacq.
• Diplotropis Benth.
• Dipogon Liebm.
• Dipteryx Schreb.
• Diptychandra Tul.
• Discolobium Benth.
• Distemonanthus Benth.
• Disynstemon R.Vig.
• Dolichopsis Hassl.
• Dolichos L.
• Dorycnopsis Boiss.
• Droogmansia De Wild.
• Dumasia DC.
• Dunbaria Wight & Arn.
• Duparquetia Baill.
• Dussia Krug & Urb. ex Taub.
• Dysolobium (Benth.) Prain
• Ebenopsis Britton & Rose
• Ebenus L.
• Echinospartum (Spach) Fourr.
• Ecuadendron D.A.Neill
• Eleiotis DC.
• Eligmocarpus Capuron
• Eminia Taub.
• Endertia Steenis & de Wit
• Endosamara R.Geesink
• Englerodendron Harms
• Entada Adans.
• Enterolobium Mart.
• Eperua Aubl.
• Eremosparton Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
• Erichsenia Hemsl.
• Erinacea Tourn. ex Adans.
• Eriosema (DC.) G.Don
• Erophaca Boiss.
• Errazurizia Phil.
• Erythrina L.
• Erythrophleum R.Br.
• Erythrostemon Klotzsch
• Euchilopsis F.Muell.
• Euchlora Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Euchresta Benn.
• Eurypetalum Harms
• Eutaxia R.Br.
• Eversmannia Bunge
• Exostyles Schott
• Eysenhardtia Kunth
• Ezoloba B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr.
• Faidherbia A.Chev.
• Fairchildia Britton & Rose
• Falcataria (I.C.Nielsen) Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Fiebrigiella Harms
• Fillaeopsis Harms
• Fissicalyx Benth.
• Flemingia Roxb. ex W.T.Aiton
• Fordia Hemsl.
• Gabonius Mackinder & Wieringa
• Gagnebina Neck. ex DC.
• Galactia P.Browne
• Galega Tourn. ex L.
• Gastrolobium R.Br.
• Geissaspis Wight & Arn.
• Gelrebia Gagnon & G.P.Lewis
• Genista L.
• Genistidium I.M.Johnst.
• Geoffroea Jacq.
• Gigasiphon Drake
• Gilbertiodendron J.Léonard
• Gilletiodendron Vermoesen
• Gleditsia L.
• Gliricidia Kunth
• Glycyrrhiza Tourn. ex L.
• Glycyrrhizopsis Boiss.
• Gompholobium Sm.
• Goniorrhachis Taub.
• Gonocytisus Spach
• Goodia Salisb.
• Grazielodendron H.C.Lima
• Gretheria Duno & Torke
• Greuteria Amirahm. & Kaz.Osaloo
• Griffonia Baill.
• Grona Lour.
• Gueldenstaedtia Fisch.
• Guianodendron Sch.Rodr. & A.M.G.Azevedo
• Guibourtia Benn.
• Guilandina L.
• Gwilymia A.G.Lima, Paula-Souza & Scalon
• Gymnocladus Lam.
• Haematoxylum L.
• Hammatolobium Fenzl
• Hanslia Schindl.
• Haplormosia Harms
• Harashuteria K.Ohashi & H.Ohashi
• Hardenbergia Benth.
• Hardwickia Roxb.
• Harleyodendron R.S.Cowan
• Harpalyce Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
• Havardia Small
• Haymondia A.N.Egan & B.Pan
• Hebestigma Urb.
• Hedysarum L.
• Hegnera Schindl.
• Helicotropis A.Delgado
• Heliodendron Gill.K.Br. & Bayly
• Hererolandia Gagnon & G.P.Lewis
• Herpyza Sauvalle
• Hesperalbizia Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Hesperolaburnum Maire
• Hesperothamnus Brandegee
• Heteroflorum M.Sousa
• Heterostemon Desf.
• Hippocrepis L.
• Hoffmannseggia Cav.
• Hoita Rydb.
• Holocalyx Micheli
• Hosackia Douglas ex Benth.
• Hovea R.Br.
• Huangtcia H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Huchimingia Z.Q.Song & Shi J.Li
• Hultholia Gagnon & G.P.Lewis
• Humboldtia Vahl
• Humularia P.A.Duvign.
• Hydrochorea Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Hylodendron Taub.
• Hylodesmum H.Ohashi & R.R.Mill
• Hymenaea L.
• Hymenolobium Benth.
• Hymenostegia Harms
• Hypocalyptus Thunb.
• Ibatiria W.E.Cooper
• Icuria Wieringa
• Imbralyx R.Geesink
• Indigastrum Jaub. & Spach
• Indigofera L.
• Indopiptadenia Brenan
• Inga Mill.
• Inocarpus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
• Intsia Thouars
• Isoberlinia Craib & Stapf
• Isotropis Benth.
• Jacksonia R.Br. ex Sm.
• Jacqueshuberia Ducke
• Julbernardia Pellegr.
• Jupunba Britton & Rose
• Kalappia Kosterm.
• Kanaloa Lorence & K.R.Wood
• Kanburia J.Compton, Mattapha, Sirich. & Schrire
• Kartalinia Brullo, C.Brullo, Cambria, Acar, Salmeri & Giusso
• Kebirita Kramina & D.D.Sokoloff
• Kennedia Vent.
• Koompassia Maingay ex Benth.
• Kotschya Endl.
• Kummerowia Schindl.
• Kunstleria Prain
• Labichea Gaudich. ex DC.
• Lablab Adans.
• Laburnum Fabr.
• Lachesiodendron P.G.Ribeiro, L.P.Queiroz & Luckow
• Lackeya Fortunato, L.P.Queiroz & G.P.Lewis
• Ladeania A.N.Egan & Reveal
• Lamprolobium Benth.
• Lathyrus L.
• Latrobea Meisn.
• Lebeckia Thunb.
• Lebruniodendron J.Léonard
• Lecointea Ducke
• Lemurodendron Villiers & P.Guinet
• Lennea Klotzsch
• Leobordea Delile
• Leonardoxa Aubrév.
• Leptoderris Dunn
• Leptodesmia (Benth.) Benth. & Hook.f.
• Leptolobium Vogel
• Leptosema Benth.
• Leptospron (Benth. & Hook.f.) A.Delgado
• Lespedeza Michx.
• Lessertia DC.
• Leucaena Benth.
• Leucochloron Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Leucomphalos Benth.
• Leucostegane Prain
• Libidibia Schltdl.
• Librevillea Hoyle
• Limadendron Meireles & A.M.G.Azevedo
• Liparia L.
• Listia E.Mey.
• Loesenera Harms
• Lonchocarpus Kunth
• Lophocarpinia Burkart
• Lotononis (DC.) Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Lotus L.
• Luetzelburgia Harms
• Lysidice Hance
• Lysiloma Benth.
• Lysiphyllum (Benth.) de Wit
• Maackia Rupr.
• Machaerium Pers.
• Macrolobium Schreb.
• Macropsychanthus Harms
• Macroptilium (Benth.) Urb.
• Macrosamanea Britton & Rose
• Macrotyloma (Wight & Arn.) Verdc.
• Maekawaea H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Mantiqueira L.P.Queiroz
• Maraniona C.E.Hughes, G.P.Lewis, Daza & Reynel
• Marina Liebm.
• Mariosousa Seigler & Ebinger
• Marlimorimia L.P.Queiroz, L.M.Borges, Marc.F.Simon & P.G.Ribeiro
• Martiodendron Gleason
• Mastersia Benth.
• Mecopus Benn.
• Medicago L.
• Melanoxylum Schott
• Melilotus (L.) Mill.
• Melliniella Harms
• Melolobium Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Mendoravia Capuron
• Mezcala C.E.Hughes & J.L.Contr.
• Mezoneuron Desf.
• Michelsonia Hauman
• Micklethwaitia G.P.Lewis & Schrire
• Microberlinia A.Chev.
• Microcharis Benth.
• Microlobius C.Presl
• Mildbraediodendron Harms
• Millettia Wight & Arn.
• Mimosa L.
• Mimozyganthus Burkart
• Mirbelia Sm.
• Moldenhawera Schrad.
• Monarthrocarpus Merr.
• Monopteryx Spruce ex Benth.
• Montigena Heenan
• Mora R.H.Schomb. ex Benth.
• Moullava Adans.
• Mucuna Adans.
• Muellera L.f.
• Muelleranthus Hutch.
• Mundulea (DC.) Benth.
• Murtonia Craib
• Myrocarpus Allemão
• Myrospermum Jacq.
• Myroxylon L.f.
• Mysanthus G.P.Lewis & A.Delgado
• Naiadendron A.G.Lima, Paula-Souza & Scalon
• Nanhaia J.Compton & Schrire
• Nanogalactia L.P.Queiroz
• Neltuma Raf.
• Neoapaloxylon Rauschert
• Neochevalierodendron J.Léonard
• Neocollettia Hemsl.
• Neoharmsia R.Vig.
• Neonotonia J.A.Lackey
• Neorautanenia Schinz
• Nephrodesmus Schindl.
• Neptunia Lour.
• Nesphostylis Verdc.
• Neustanthus Benth.
• Newtonia Baill.
• Nissolia Jacq.
• Nogra Merr.
• Normandiodendron J.Léonard
• Oberholzeria Swanepoel, M.M.le Roux, M.F.Wojc. & A.E.van Wyk
• Oddoniodendron De Wild.
• Ohashia X.Y.Zhu & R.P.Zhang
• Ohwia H.Ohashi
• Olneya A.Gray
• Onobrychis Mill.
• Ononis L.
• Ophrestia H.M.L.Forbes
• Orbexilum Raf.
• Ormocarpopsis R.Vig.
• Ormocarpum P.Beauv.
• Ormosia Jacks.
• Ornithopus L.
• Orphanodendron Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Osodendron E.J.M.Koenen
• Ostryocarpus Hook.f.
• Otoptera DC.
• Ototropis Nees
• Ougeinia Benth.
• Oxylobium Andrews
• Oxyrhynchus Brandegee
• Oxytes (Schindl.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Oxytropis DC.
• Pachyelasma Harms
• Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC.
• Padbruggea Miq.
• Painteria Britton & Rose
• Paloue Aubl.
• Panurea Spruce ex Benth. & Hook.f.
• Paracalyx Ali
• Paragoodia I.Thomps.
• Paramachaerium Ducke
• Paramacrolobium J.Léonard
• Parapiptadenia Brenan
• Pararchidendron I.C.Nielsen
• Parasenegalia Seigler & Ebinger
• Paraserianthes I.C.Nielsen
• Parkia R.Br.
• Parkinsonia Plum. ex L.
• Parochetus Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
• Parryella Torr. & A.Gray
• Paubrasilia Gagnon, H.C.Lima & G.P.Lewis
• Pearsonia Dümmer
• Pediomelum Rydb.
• Pedleya H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Peltogyne Vogel
• Peltophorum (Vogel) Benth.
• Pentaclethra Benth.
• Periandra Mart. ex Benth.
• Pericopsis Thwaites
• Petaladenium Ducke
• Petalostylis R.Br.
• Peteria A.Gray
• Petteria C.Presl
• Phanera Lour.
• Philenoptera Hochst. ex A.Rich.
• Phylacium Benn.
• Phyllodium Desv.
• Phyllolobium Fisch.
• Phyllota Benth.
• Phylloxylon Baill.
• Physostigma Balf.
• Pickeringia Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray
• Pictarena Becklund
• Pictetia DC.
• Piliostigma Hochst.
• Piptadenia Benth.
• Piptadeniastrum Brenan
• Piptadeniopsis Burkart
• Piptanthus Sweet
• Piscidia L.
• Pithecellobium Mart.
• Pityrocarpa (Benth. & Hook.f.) Britton & Rose
• Plagiocarpus Benth.
• Plagiosiphon Harms
• Plathymenia Benth.
• Platycelyphium Harms
• Platycyamus Benth.
• Platylobium Sm.
• Platymiscium Vogel
• Platyosprion Maxim.
• Platypodium Vogel
• Platysepalum Welw. ex Baker
• Pleurolobus J.St.-Hil.
• Podalyria Willd.
• Podocytisus Boiss. & Heldr.
• Podolobium R.Br.
• Podolotus Royle ex Benth.
• Poecilanthe Benth.
• Poeppigia C.Presl
• Poiretia Vent.
• Poissonia Baill.
• Poitea Vent.
• Polhillia C.H.Stirt.
• Polhillides H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Polystemonanthus Harms
• Pomaria Cav.
• Pongamia Adans.
• Pongamiopsis R.Vig.
• Prioria Griseb.
• Prosopidastrum Burkart
• Prosopis L.
• Pseudalbizzia Britton & Rose
• Pseudarthria Wight & Arn.
• Pseudeminia Verdc.
• Pseudoeriosema Hauman
• Pseudolotus Rech.f.
• Pseudoprosopis Harms
• Pseudosamanea Harms
• Pseudosenegalia Seigler & Ebinger
• Pseudovigna (Harms) Verdc.
• Psophocarpus Neck. ex DC.
• Psoralea L.
• Psorothamnus Rydb.
• Pterocarpus Jacq.
• Pterodon Vogel
• Pterogyne Tul.
• Pterolobium R.Br. ex Wight & Arn.
• Ptycholobium Harms
• Ptychosema Benth.
• Pueraria DC.
• Puhuaea H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Pullenia H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Pultenaea Sm.
• Punjuba Britton & Rose
• Pycnospora R.Br. ex Wight & Arn.
• Pyranthus Du Puy & Labat
• Rafnia Thunb.
• Ramirezella Rose
• Ramorinoa Speg.
• Recordoxylon Ducke
• Requienia DC.
• Retama Raf.
• Rhodopis Urb.
• Rhynchosia Lour.
• Rhynchotropis Harms
• Ricoa Duno & Torke
• Riedeliella Harms
• Rivasgodaya Esteve
• Robinia L.
• Robrichia (Barneby & J.W.Grimes) A.R.M.Luz & E.R.Souza
• Robynsiophyton R.Wilczek
• Rothia Pers.
• Rupertia J.W.Grimes
• Sakoanala R.Vig.
• Salweenia Baker f.
• Samanea (Benth.) Merr.
• Sanjappa E.R.Souza & Krishnaraj
• Saraca L.
• Sarcodum Lour.
• Schefflerodendron Harms
• Schizolobium Vogel
• Schleinitzia Warb.
• Schnella Raddi
• Schotia Jacq.
• Scorodophloeus Harms
• Scorpiurus L.
• Sellocharis Taub.
• Senegalia Raf.
• Senna Mill.
• Serawaia J.Compton & Schrire
• Serianthes Benth.
• Sesbania Adans.
• Shuteria Wight & Arn.
• Sigmoidala J.Compton & Schrire
• Sigmoidotropis (Piper) A.Delgado
• Sindora Miq.
• Sindoropsis J.Léonard
• Sinodolichos Verdc.
• Smirnowia Bunge
• Smithia Aiton
• Soemmeringia Mart.
• Sohmaea H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Sophora L.
• Spartium L.
• Spathionema Taub.
• Spatholobus Hassk.
• Sphaerolobium Sm.
• Sphaerophysa DC.
• Sphenostylis E.Mey.
• Sphinctospermum Rose
• Sphinga Barneby & J.W.Grimes
• Spirotropis Tul.
• Stachyothyrsus Harms
• Staminodianthus D.B.O.S.Cardoso, H.C.Lima & L.P.Queiroz
• Stauracanthus Link
• Steinbachiella Harms
• Stemonocoleus Harms
• Stenodrepanum Harms
• Stirtonanthus B.-E.van Wyk & A.L.Schutte
• Stonesiella Crisp & P.H.Weston
• Storckiella Seem.
• Streblorrhiza Endl.
• Strombocarpa (Benth.) Engelm. & A.Gray
• Strongylodon Vogel
• Strophostyles Elliott
• Stryphnodendron Mart.
• Stuhlmannia Taub.
• Stylosanthes Sw.
• Styphnolobium Schott
• Sulla Medik.
• Sunhangia H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Swainsona Salisb.
• Swartzia Schreb.
• Sweetia Spreng.
• Sylvichadsia Du Puy & Labat
• Sympetalandra Stapf
• Tabaroa L.P.Queiroz, G.P.Lewis & M.F.Wojc.
• Tachigali Aubl.
• Tadehagi H.Ohashi
• Talbotiella Baker f.
• Tamarindus Tourn. ex L.
• Tara Molina
• Taralea Aubl.
• Tateishia H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Taverniera DC.
• Templetonia R.Br.
• Tephrosia Pers.
• Teramnus P.Browne
• Tessmannia Harms
• Tetraberlinia (Harms) Hauman
• Tetrapleura Benth.
• Tetrapterocarpon Humbert
• Teyleria Backer
• Thailentadopsis Kosterm.
• Thermopsis R.Br.
• Thinicola J.H.Ross
• Tibetia (Ali) H.P.Tsui
• Ticanto Adans.
• Tipuana Benth.
• Tournaya A.Schmitz
• Toxicopueraria A.N.Egan & B.Pan
• Trifidacanthus Merr.
• Trigonella L.
• Tripodion Medik.
• Trischidium Tul.
• Tylosema (Schweinf.) Torre & Hillc.
• Uittienia Steenis
• Uleanthus Harms
• Ulex L.
• Umtiza Sim
• Uraria Desv.
• Urariopsis Schindl.
• Uribea Dugand & Romero
• Urodon Turcz.
• Vachellia Wight & Arn.
• Vandasina Rauschert
• Vatairea Aubl.
• Vataireopsis Ducke
• Vatovaea Chiov.
• Verdesmum H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
• Vicia L.
• Vigna Savi
• Viguieranthus Villiers
• Villosocallerya L.Duan, J.Compton & Schrire
• Viminaria Sm.
• Virgilia Lam.
• Vouacapoua Aubl.
• Vuralia Uysal & Ertuğrul
• Wajira Thulin
• Wallaceodendron Koord.
• Weberbauerella Ulbr.
• Weizhia G.Y.Li, Z.H.Chen, K.W.Jiang & B.Pan bis
• Whitfordiodendron Elmer
• Wiborgia Thunb.
• Wiborgiella Boatwr. & B.-E.van Wyk
• Wisteria Nutt.
• Wisteriopsis J.Compton & Schrire
• Xanthocercis Baill.
• Xerocladia Harv.
• Xiphotheca Eckl. & Zeyh.
• Xylia Benth.
• Zapoteca H.M.Hern.
• Zenia Chun
• Zenkerella Taub.
• Zollernia Wied-Neuw. & Nees
• Zornia J.F.Gmel.
• Zuccagnia Cav.
• Zygia P.Browne
• Zygocarpum Thulin & Lavin

My Personal Connection to Fabaceae

My fascination with Fabaceae stems from my deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. This plant family exemplifies the intricate relationships between plants, soil, and other organisms. Their ability to enrich the soil, support pollinators, and provide sustenance for countless creatures showcases their vital role in maintaining ecological harmony.

Moreover, I find the diversity within Fabaceae truly inspiring. From the delicate beauty of wildflowers to the towering strength of trees, this family encompasses a vast spectrum of forms and functions. Each genus and species within Fabaceae tells a unique story of adaptation and resilience, reminding us of the wonders of the natural world.

In conclusion, Fabaceae is a plant family that holds a special place in my heart. Its ecological significance, diverse members, and unique characteristics make it a source of endless fascination and inspiration. I encourage everyone to explore the world of legumes and discover the beauty and importance of this remarkable plant family.