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].

Edible Uses: Root - cooked or raw[2, 27, 46, 61, 105]. Sweet and starchy, it is delicious when baked with a flavour that is somewhat like a sweet potato[183, K]. Taste trials consistently place this root very highly, it is certainly one of our favourites[K]. Unfortunately, yields are rather low and so the plant is only worthwhile growing as a taste treat, not as a staple crop[K].

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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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