Trigonella

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Trigonella (fenugreek, foenugreek; family Leguminosae, subfamily Papilionatae) A genus of annual herbs with toothed, trifoliate leaves. The flowers are blue, yellow, or whitish, solitary or in clusters, and small and pea-like (see PISUM); they develop into slender, curved pods up to 15cm long. T. foenum-graecum is widely cultivated. The fresh plant is eaten as a vegetable, and the seeds are used in curry, chutney, and flavourings. Fenugreek is grown as a fodder crop in northern Africa. Most species are from the Mediterranean region and Asia, but they also occur in Macronesia, S. Africa, and Australia.