Baljväxtfamiljen

Baljväxtfamiljen, known scientifically as Fabaceae or Leguminosae, is a large and diverse family of flowering plants that includes peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, soybeans, and many other familiar food crops. This family is also home to numerous trees, shrubs, and vines found worldwide, many of which are important for their timber, ornamental value, or role in nitrogen fixation.

A defining characteristic of the baljväxtfamiljen is their fruit, which develops from a simple carpel and is typically a legume, a pod that splits along two seams when ripe. Inside the pod are seeds. Many members of this family have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plant, enriching the soil and benefiting subsequent crops.

Economically, the baljväxtfamiljen is of immense importance, providing a significant portion of the world's protein and essential nutrients in human and animal diets. Beyond food, their applications include forage for livestock, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and industrial materials. The family is estimated to contain over 19,000 species, making it the third-largest family of flowering plants.