FABACEAE

PEA FAMILY

This family has species that range from annuals to trees; the leaves are generally compound, alternate and stipulated with entire leaflets. The inflorescence is generally a raceme, spike, umbel or head. Flowers are generally bisexual, and bilateral; the hypanthium is generally flat or cup-like. There are generally 5 fused sepals, 5 free petals or the lower two fused. Stamens are 1 to many. The fruit is a legume. (Hickman Ed., 577)

This most significant family is distributed throughout the world with over 10,000 species-many of which are of great economic importance, providing food, forage, dyes and wood. Clover, alfalfa, senna, balsam, peanuts, indigo and all the peas and beans belong here. (Dale 108).

Upper Newport Bay species within the family:

Acacia cyanophylla