Lathyrus tuberosus Earthnut pea (Leguminosae)

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Lathyrus tuberosus
Earthnut pea
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The Lathyrus tuberosus plant species is found in Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain in a very few sites in E. England. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Earthnut pea.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Lathyrus tuberosus
Common Name:  Earthnut pea
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

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:  1.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Cornfields and hedgerows, avoiding acid soils[17].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil[200]. It prefers a limestone soil in a warm position[13], and likes some shade[1]. A climbing plant, scrambling through other plants and supporting itself by tendrils[219]. It tends to be slightly invasive[187] with new stems emerging at some distance from the parent plant[219]. The earthnut pea has occasionally been cultivated for its edible root[2, 183]. Slugs are inordinately fond of this plant and will totally destroy it given a chance[K]. A good bee plant. 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

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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