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family (the pea family) is one of the most conspicuous and diverse
in the Tasmanian flora, and includes many native and introduced
species. The Tasmanian species are divided into two very distinctive
subfamilies. These subfamilies are sometimes treated as separate
families (Fabaceae and Mimosaceae).
Subfamily Mimosoideae include Acacia
and its relatives. They have radially symmetrical flowers in which
the stamens are the most obvious parts. The leaves are either
bipinnate or are replaced by phyllodes.
In Subfamily Faboideae, the petals
are the obvious parts and are noticeably different in size and
shape. The leaves can be simple or compound. Among the Tasmanian
species, the leaves may be simple, pinnate,
palmate or trifoliate, but not bipinnate.
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