Lathyrus aphaca Yellow-flowered pea (Leguminosae)

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Lathyrus aphaca
Yellow-flowered pea
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The Lathyrus aphaca plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Yellow-flowered pea.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Lathyrus aphaca
Common Name:  Yellow-flowered pea
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

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[65, 76].

Mature Height:  0.9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Dry places on sand, gravel and chalk[17].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. Plants dislike shade. An interesting plant botanically because the true leaves have been modified into tendrils and the stipules have become leaves[100]. Plants climb by means of tendrils[188]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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