Fabaceae

Trees, shrubs, woody and non-woody vines, and other non-woody (herbaceous) species that have a high nitrogen metabolism and often have root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, so help restore and maintain soil fertility: usually have alternate compound leaves with stipules, and most have pods for fruit. Globally, this is the third largest family of flowering plants and includes food plants (Beans, Peas), important forage plants (Alfalfa, Clover), ornamental species (Sweet Pea, Lupine), poisonous plants (Milk-vetch, Locoweed), and some very showy native species (Beach Pea, Groundnut, Tick-trefoils).

Flowers may be symmetrical in all directions (radial) or bilaterally symmetrical, and are highly variable in size, form, coloration and pollinators. The lowest flowers usually start to bloom first, so the main stem or branch can continue to grow (indeterminate inflorescence). Sepals usually 5, commonly fused to form a lobed calyx tube but sometimes separate. Petals 5, separate or fused, and all alike or the top petal may differ from the others in size, shape or colour. In species in which the top petal differs from the others, it is called the standard and is often larger than and external to the others, the two side petals are called the wings, and the two lowermost petals are called the keel and attached to one another toward their tips, enfolding the stamens and carpel. Stamens usually 10, separate or fused. Carpel usually 1, ovary located above the point of attachment of the other flower parts (superior).

The leaflets on compound leaves usually arise from both sides of the leaf stalk (pinnate). Tendrils often present on the viny species. Stipules may be inconspicuous to leaf-like and sometimes form spines.

Many of the trees have thorny twigs.