Volunteer chickpeas

Cicer arietinum, commonly known as Chickpea or Garbanzo Bean, is an annual legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. Chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a staple in many cuisines around the world. Here is an informative description of this plant:

Description:

1. Plant Structure:

   • Size: Chickpea plants typically grow to a height of 8 to 20 inches (20 to 50 cm).
   • Growth Form: It has a bushy and upright growth habit with pinnate leaves.

2. Leaves:

   • Arrangement: The leaves are alternate and composed of several pairs of leaflets.
   • Leaflet Shape: The leaflets are typically ovate or lanceolate.

3. Flowers:

   • Inflorescence: Chickpea produces small, white or pale blue flowers that are either solitary or arranged in pairs.
   • Flower Structure: Each flower has a distinctive structure with a banner, wings, and keel.

4. Fruit:

   • Pods: After pollination, the plant develops small, hairy pods containing one to two seeds (chickpeas).
   • Seed Color: Chickpeas can vary in color, including beige, green, black, or brown, depending on the variety.