Fabaceae

Trees, shrubs, lianas, herbs

Once or twice pinnate, sometimes with just one pair of pinnae (which may even be partly fused together), often with numerous small pinnae. Stipules typically conspicuous and large, sometimes (especially in dry climates) modified into spines. Terminal pinna may be present or lacking, and in climbing species is often replaced by a tendril. There is a round swelling (pulvinus) at the base of the petiole and each petiolule. There may be glands (extrafloral nectaries) between leaflets on the main rachis.