Pisum

Pisum is a small genus of flowering plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) that includes the cultivated garden pea, Pisum sativum, and several wild relatives. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, and its cultivated forms are now grown in temperate regions around the world. In modern classifications, Pisum belongs to the tribe Fabeae within the subfamily Faboideae, and is closely related to Lens, Vicia, and Lathyrus.

Plants in the genus are annual herbaceous climbers or sprawling shrubs with pinnate leaves that often end in a tendril. Flowers are usually white or pale purple and arranged in axillary inflorescences. The fruit is a pod containing seeds that vary in size and color. Seeds are edible and form the core economic products of the group, whether consumed fresh as peas or harvested dry.

Pisum sativum is the principal cultivated species, represented by varieties for fresh pods (snow peas, sugar snap peas) and for dry seeds (field peas). Wild relatives such as Pisum fulvum and Pisum abyssinicum occur in parts of Africa and Asia and contribute genetic diversity used in breeding programs. Taxonomic treatment of some wild taxa varies among authorities.

Domestication of peas occurred in the Near East, with subsequent spread to Europe and beyond. Peas are valued as a source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Agriculture often benefits from the symbiotic nitrogen fixation of Pisum roots with Rhizobium bacteria, reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Breeding programs focus on yield, disease resistance, pod quality, and adaptability to diverse growing conditions.