The epihilum, a multicellular layer covering the hilum, is found in all genera of Phaseoleae, subtribe Phaseolinae, except Dysolobium, Psophocarpus, and Neorautanenia, three genera otherwise subtribally anomalous. The epihilum is absent from the remaining subtribes of the Phaseoleae except in some Erythrina spp. and in Strongylodon. Preliminary observations suggest a wealth of taxonomically significant structures in legume seeds.