Fabaceae
Fabaceae is a family of eudicots. It is commonly referred to as the pea family.
Identifying Characteristics
| Category | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Clade | Eudicot |
| Floral Formula | Variable |
| Woody? | Herbaceous (No) Trees (Yes) |
| Leaves | Attachment: Alternate Subdivision: Compound Position: Cauline Conspicuous stipules |
| Flowers | Symmetry: Bilateral or Radial Growth: Bisexual |
| Petals | Pea flower structure or similar |
| Ovary | Superior |
| Inflorescence | Racemic |
| Numbers | Variable |
| Fruits | Legumes Mostly dehiscent; some are indehiscent |
Distinguishing Subfamilies
| Subfamily | Flower Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Mimosoideae | Radial |
| Papillionoideae | Bilateral Pea Flower Structure Connate petals, possible sepal connation |
| Caesalpinioideae | Bilateral to Radial Similar to Pea Flower Structure Varied fusion in sepals |
| Subfamily | Leaf Subdivision |
|---|---|
| Mimosoideae | Twice pinnately compound |
| Papillionoideae | Compound |
| Caesalpinioideae | Simple |
| Subfamily | Stamens |
|---|---|
| Mimosoideae | Showy Exserted Unknown number Free |
| Papillionoideae | 10 stamens Either - Connate fusion with filaments - or 9 are fused, with 1 free stamen |
| Caesalpinioideae | 10 stamens |