Fabales

Description

Fabales is an order of flowering plants that includes some of the most important crops for human consumption, such as beans, peas, peanuts, and soybeans. This order contains about 7000 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers that are distributed worldwide. These plants have a unique feature of producing fruits that are called legumes, which are pods that contain seeds. Fabales are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their roots.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Fabales plants vary greatly in appearance, from small herbs to large trees. The leaves are usually alternate and compound, with three to five leaflets. The flowers are typically bisexual and have five petals, forming racemes or spikes. The fruits are legumes, which can be elongated or flattened, and contain multiple seeds. The seeds are often used for food, and the plants are also cultivated for their ornamental value.

Care Guide

Fabales plants are generally easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips:

• Water: Fabales plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: Fabales plants can grow in a range of soil types, but they prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Most Fabales plants prefer full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Fabales plants are hardy in a range of zones, depending on the species.

Common Pests & Diseases

Fabales plants can be affected by a range of pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
• Mites: These tiny pests can cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves.
• Fungal diseases: Fabales plants can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
• Bacterial diseases: Some Fabales plants can be affected by bacterial diseases such as bacterial blight.

Habitat

Fabales plants are found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. They are often cultivated as crops and are important sources of food for humans and animals. Some species are also used for timber and medicine.

Question and Answer

Q: What are some common crops in the Fabales order?
A: Some common crops in the Fabales order include beans, peas, peanuts, and soybeans.

Q: How do Fabales plants fix nitrogen in the soil?
A: Fabales plants have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their roots that fix nitrogen in the soil.

Q: What are some common pests that affect Fabales plants?
A: Some common pests that affect Fabales plants include aphids and mites.

Q: Where are Fabales plants found?
A: Fabales plants are found worldwide in a variety of habitats.

Related Plants

• Acacia
• Cercis
• Robinia
• Sophora

References

• Stevens, P. F. (2001 onwards). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 14, July 2017 [and more or less continuously updated since].
• Goldblatt, P. (1995). Introduction to the Fabales. Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
• Wink, M. (2013). Evolution of secondary metabolites from an ecological and molecular phylogenetic perspective. Phytochemistry, 91, 148-155.