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.