Herbs, annual [perennial], unarmed. Stems erect [climbing], pilose-pubescent. Leaves alternate, odd-pinnate; stipules present, persistent, linear-lanceolate; petiolate; leaflets 3, stipels present, lateral leaflets sessile or short-petiolulate, terminal petiolulate, blade margins entire, surfaces pubescent. Inflorescences 5–8-flowered, axillary, racemes [paniculate or flowers fascicled, solitary, or paired]; bracts present. Flowers papilionaceous; calyx campanulate, lobes 5; corolla violet, pink, or white, 4.5–7(–10) mm; stamens 10, diadelphous, vexillary stamen auriculate basally, sometimes becoming distinct in age; anthers basifixed, uniform; ovary ± sessile; style glabrous; stigma terminal, capitate. Fruits legumes, stipitate, straight or falcate, linear or oblong, laterally dehiscent, ± constricted between seeds, pubescent. Seeds 2–4(or 5), ovoid; hilum lateral; aril scalelike. x = 20.

Distribution

Introduced; e Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Australia, introduced nearly worldwide.

Discussion

Species 9 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Glycine max