Vicia faba (Broad Bean)

Native to Palestine, this is an herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. Commonly known as the broad bean, its cultivation stretches back to the earliest days of agriculture; charred remains in Israel suggest its domestication may date back to 8250 BCE​​. This legume is extensively cultivated for human consumption and as a cover crop, which contributes to soil nitrogen fixation and prevents erosion​​. The plant produces flowers with a strong sweet scent, and pods containing edible seeds that, when young, can be consumed whole​​. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.