The Fabaceae (Fabaceæ, from faba = broad bean, one of the oldest cultivated species), or Leguminous
(nom. cons. [1] leguminosæ, from legume, the most typical fruit), or even papilionaceae
(from papilio = butterfly, due to the shape of the flower), are a family of dicotyledonous plants of the order
of the Fabales.
They include the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the pea (Pisum sativum L.), the broad bean (Vicia
faba L.), lupine (Lupinus), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), piglet (Cajanus indicus), peanut
(Arachis hypogaea L.), soy (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), lentil (Lens culinaris), grass pea
(Lathyrus sativus) and trees such as mimosa (Acacia), judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum),
black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), carob (Ceratonia siliqua), tamarind (Tamarindus indica),
the grenadilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon), laburnum (laburnum anagyroides).

Distribution

Fabaceae have an exceptionally wide diffusion, extended to all continents up to the lands
more isolated - we cite among others Greenland and the Pacific Islands, with the ability to adapt
to the most diverse habitats.
In Italy, Fabaceae are present in all regions (see online for the list of genres). (source Wikipedia)


(selection 2023)