Lathyrus nissolia

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Lathyrus nissolia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Lathyrus
Species:
L. nissolia
Binomial name
Lathyrus nissolia

Lathyrus nissolia, the grass vetchling or grass pea,

family Fabaceae
.

Description

Grass vetchling is an annual plant, with an erect stem branching from the base, and growing to a height of about 2 feet (0.7 m). It is entirely without true

grass ending in a fine point, and the stipules at its base greatly help the deception.[1]

The crimson flowers come out in June and July, and are rather small, solitary and borne on a very long footstalk. They have the ability to

self-pollinate.[1]

The flowers are succeeded by long, slender, straight pods, which are at first very flat, but become cylindrical when the contained peas are fully developed.[1]

Habitat

Grassland, banks and field margins on neutral to acid soil.[2]

Distribution

The species is rare in Scotland and very localised in England and Wales, though there are signs that it is currently spreading in the United Kingdom.[2] Not recorded from Ireland.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Stokoe, W.J. The Observer's Book of Wild Flowers (1965 ed.). Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. p. 88.
  2. ^ a b Nature Spot - Grass Vetchling
  3. ISBN 978-185918-4783


Stub icon

This Fabeae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lathyrus_nissolia&oldid=1163194731"