Scientific name Faboideae Rank Subfamily | Higher classification Legumes | |
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Lower classifications Pea, Clover, Common Bean, Dalbergia, Vetches | ||
The Faboideae are a subfamily of the flowering plant family Fabaceae or Leguminosae. An acceptable alternative name for the subfamily is Papilionoideae, or Papilionaceae when this group of plants is treated as a family.
Contents
This subfamily is widely distributed, and members are adapted to a wide variety of environments. Faboideae may be trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants. Members include the pea, the sweet pea, the laburnum, and other legumes. The flowers are classically pea-shaped, and root nodulation is very common.
Genera
The type genus, Faba, is a synonym of Vicia, and is listed here as Vicia.
Systematics
Modern molecular phylogenetics recommend a clade-based classification of Faboideae as a superior alternative to the traditional tribal classification of Polhill:
Note: Minor branches have been omitted.
