Lathyrus sativus Chickling pea (Leguminosae)

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Lathyrus sativus
Chickling pea
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The Lathyrus sativus plant species is found in The original habitat is obscure, possibly S. Europe. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chickling pea.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Lathyrus sativus
Common Name:  Chickling 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, but should not comprise more than 30% of the diet[65, 76].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Found as a weed of cultivated land though this is as a relict of cultivation, the plant is not known in a truly wild state[93].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. The chickling pea is cultivated for its edible seed in India and the Middle East[61], but see notes above on toxicity. 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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