Lathyrus nervosus Lord Anson's pea (Leguminosae)

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Lathyrus nervosus
Lord Anson's pea
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The Lathyrus nervosus plant species is found in S. America - Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Lord Anson's pea. Some home gardeners know the variety as L. magellanicus. Lam.

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Latin Name:  Lathyrus nervosus
Common Name:  Lord Anson's pea
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  Lam.

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.

Mature Height:  0.45   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Coastal sands, gravel and open grassland[69, 133].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. Prefers a rich soil in a cool position in sun or semi-shade with plenty of moisture in the growing season[187]. Plants are hardy to about -10°c[187]. A very ornamental plant[1] it is a short-lived perennial[175]. Plants scramble through other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[188, 219]. There has been much confusion in the naming of this plant, two separate names (L. nervosus and L. magellanicus) having been given to what was believed to be different plants. According to one report, L. magellanicus is a distinct species with minor botanical differences and is somewhat hardier than L. nervosus[133]. The two species now seem to have been united under this name[200]. Young plants are extremely attractive to rabbits[K]. 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].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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