oil-producing plant protein-producing plant edible seed producing plant bean plant plant used for dietary supplements Glycine subgen. Soja Glycine max Phaseolus max soybean soybeans Glycine max (L.) Merr. The soybean or soya bean (Glycine max) is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean, which has numerous uses. Traditional unfermented food uses of soybeans include soy milk, from which tofu and tofu skin are made. Fermented soy foods include soy sauce, fermented bean paste, nattō, and tempeh. glycine max soya bean soybean