Contents
Description
Fabaceae, also known as the legume family, is a large and diverse group of plants that includes trees, shrubs, and herbs. This family of plants is characterized by their fruit, which is a pod or legume. The legume family is found throughout the world and includes many important food crops such as peas, beans, lentils, and soybeans.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vicia, Glycine, Phaseolus, Pisum, etc. |
Appearance
Fabaceae plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small herbs to large trees. The leaves are typically compound with three to five leaflets, although some species have simple leaves. The flowers are usually bisexual and have five petals that are often fused into a distinctive shape. The fruit is a legume that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Fabaceae plants are relatively easy to care for and require moderate watering, fertilization, and sunlight. These plants prefer well-draining soil and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Fabaceae plants are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fabaceae plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plants well-watered and to remove any infected leaves or stems.
Habitat
Fabaceae plants are found throughout the world in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Many species are adapted to nutrient-poor soils and are able to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their roots.
Question and Answer
Q: What are some common food crops that belong to the legume family?
A: Some common food crops in the legume family include peas, beans, lentils, and soybeans.
Q: Are Fabaceae plants easy to care for?
A: Yes, Fabaceae plants are relatively easy to care for and require moderate watering, fertilization, and sunlight.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Fabaceae plants?
A: Common pests and diseases that affect Fabaceae plants include aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Q: What is the habitat of Fabaceae plants?
A: Fabaceae plants are found throughout the world in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Related Plants
- Mimosaceae
- Caesalpiniaceae
- Faboideae
- Lotus
- Crotalaria
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Fabaceae. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/5357
- Mobot. (n.d.). Fabaceae. Retrieved from http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/orders/fabalesweb.htm#Fabaceae
- USDA. (n.d.). Legumes. Retrieved from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/plantsanimals/plants/?cid=nrcs143_023563
