Sweet Pea, Wild Pea,Vetchling

Lathyrus odoratus

Physical Characteristics

Lathyrus odoratus is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from July 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe - Italy, Sicily and Crete.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

The seeds are rich in vitamin A[240], though the report does not say that the seeds are edible[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The seed contains a toxin that is easily extractable in cold water or alcohol[114]. This toxin causes symptoms different to lathyrism (a disease of the nervous system caused by eating the seeds of certain members of this genus)[240]. Symptoms include reproduction failure and degenerative arthritis[240].