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Vicia faba

Species category

Vegetable

Common name

fava bean, horsebean

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Oblong to broadly ovalOval:
Broadly elliptic.
, slightly flattened

Size

  • Length 9–13 mm 
  • Width 7–10 mm 
  • Thickness 4–6 mm 

Color

Reddish-brown to brown or black

Texture

Dull and smooth

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is 5–6 mm long by 1.5 mm wide and lies on the short axis.

Identification notes

This is probably the largest of the Vicia seeds. HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is usually black in color.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Vicia faba L.

Synonyms

Faba vulgaris Moench

Vicia faba. True seeds with a hilum that is usually black. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Vicia faba. True seeds with a hilum that is usually black. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.