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].

Edible Uses: The immature seed can be eaten like green peas[2, 27, 183]. The mature seed is eaten cooked[2, 27, 46, 183]. It needs to be soaked and well cooked before being eaten[61]. The seed can also be ground into a powder and mixed with wheat in a ratio of one part vetch to 3 parts of wheat flour to make a protein-enhanced bread[2, 183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpods - cooked[105, 142, 183]. Young shoots - cooked[142, 183].

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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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