Subfamily Papilionoideae in Family Fabaceae

In botanical taxonomy, a subfamily is a rank used to classify groups of related genera within a family. Subfamilies are defined by shared morphological, anatomical, and genetic characteristics (for example, features of flowers, fruits, seeds, or leaves) that distinguish them from other groups within the same family. In the hierarchy, subfamily sits below family and above tribe.

Each subfamily can include one or more tribes, and each tribe can include one or more genera. Grouping tribes into subfamilies helps botanists organize plant diversity and understand evolutionary relationships within a family.

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