Bean, edible seed or seedpod of certain leguminous plants of the
family Fabaceae. The genera Phaseolus and Vigna have several
species each of well-known beans, though a number of economically
important species can be found in various genera throughout the
family.
Three identifying characteristics for this plant family include:
(1) pea-like pods, (2) leaves often with a plume-like (pinnate)
form, and (3) five flower petals consisting of a banner, wings, and
keel petal arrangement.
