VICIA, in botany: A genus of plants of the class diadelphia, and order of decandria; and in the natural system arranged under the 32d order, Papilionaceae. The stigma is bearded transversely on the lower side. There are 20 species, 7 of which are natives of Britain. The most important of these are, 1. The sativa, common vetch, or tare. The stalks are round, weak, branched, about two feet long. Pinnae five or seven pair, a little hairy, notched at the end. Stipule dentated. Flowers light and dark purple, on short pedicles, generally two together; pods erect; seeds black. It is known to be an excellent fodder for horses. 2. The cracca, tufted vetch. It has a stem branched, three or four feet long. Leaves pinnated; pinnae generally ten or twelve pair, lance-shaped, downy. Stipule entire. Flowers purple, numerous, pendulous, in imbricated spikes. It is also reckoned an excellent fodder for cattle. 3. The folia, or common garden bean. It is a native of Egypt. It is too well known to require description.