Beach Pea

Lathyrus japonicus maritimus

Physical Characteristics

Lathyrus japonicus maritimus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Circumpolar, south to Britain, France, Mongolia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Seedpod Shoots Edible Uses: Coffee The immature seeds are eaten raw or cooked like peas[183, 257]. Mature seeds are cooked or sprouted and used in salads[183]. A delightful vegetable[172]. A famine food[177]. Very bitter[2, 105, 106]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpods - raw or cooked when less than 25mm long[105, 106, 183]. A sweet flavour[106, 172]. Young plant - raw or cooked[161]. Use young shoots that are less than 25cm long[172, 213]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[61, 183, 257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The seed contains a toxic amino-acid which, in large quantities, can cause a very serious disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism'. The seed is said to be perfectly safe and very nutritious in small quantities, but should not comprise more than 30% of the diet[65, 76].