Lord Anson's Pea

Lathyrus nervosus

Physical Characteristics

Lathyrus nervosus is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. America - Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[2, 105, 133]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious)[65, 76]. Great caution is advised.