Legumes (Fabaceae) from Satmala hills, Maharashtra, India

In India, the family Fabaceae is represented by 174 genera, 1110 species & 256 intraspecific taxa (Sanjappa 2020). Legumes are very important source of proteins in developing countries. In tropical and temperate region wild beans used in the manufacture of resins, tannins, oils, varnishes, paints, dyes, and medicines (LPWG 2017).

Other than socio-economic importance legumes are equally beneficial for ecosystems and recycling via nitrogen uptake, enhance soil porosity, recycling of nutrients, decreasing soil pH, reduction of soil compaction and in rotation with cereals they offer a source of slow-fixation of nitrogen to sustainable cropping (USDA 1998; Popelka et al. 2004). In brief, it is economically important family for development of the region therefore present study focuses on preparation of checklist of legumes from Satmala hill range for future advancement.