Legumes are plants in the pea family Fabaceae, or the fruit or seeds of such plants. When used as a dry grain for human consumption, the seeds are also called pulses. Legumes are grown agriculturally,
A selection of dried pulses and fresh legumes
Root nodules on a Wisteria plant (a hazelnut pictured for comparison)
Legumes play a key role in the nitrogen cycle, making nitrates available to other plants in the soil.