Faboideae

Faboideae, also known as Papilionoideae, is a large subfamily of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). It is the most diverse subfamily within Fabaceae, comprising hundreds of genera and thousands of species distributed worldwide across temperate and tropical regions.

Members are characterized by papilionaceous flowers, typically zygomorphic with a large banner, two lateral wings, and a fused keel. Leaves are usually compound, often pinnate or trifoliate, and stipules are common. The fruit is typically a legume (pod) containing one or more seeds.

A key ecological feature is symbiotic nitrogen fixation, with root nodules housing rhizobia bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, enriching soils and supporting growth in nutrient-poor environments.

The subfamily includes many agriculturally important crops and forages, such as peas (Pisum), beans (Phaseolus), chickpeas (Cicer), lentils (Lens), soybeans (Glycine max), and peanuts (Arachis). It also contains widespread forage and ornamental plants like alfalfa (Medicago), clovers (Trifolium), lupins (Lupinus), and wisterias (Wisteria). The diversity reflects extensive evolutionary diversification across tribes and genera.

Systematics place Faboideae within Fabaceae as one of three major subfamilies, alongside Caesalpinioideae and Mimosoideae. Molecular phylogenetics support its monophyly, although relationships among subgroups vary among classification schemes.