The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses. The plant is classed as an oilseed rather than a pulse by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. Soyabeans occur in various sizes, and in many huller seed coat colors, including black, brown, blue, yellow, green, and mottled. The hull of the mature bean is hard, water-resistant, and protects the cotyledon and hypocotyls (or “germ”) from damage.