Grass vetchling

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is a legume that is grown for its edible seeds and as a forage crop. It is known for its high tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions, making it an important crop in many parts of the world where other crops may fail.

Description

The grass pea plant is an annual herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are pinnate with two leaflets and a tendril, which the plant uses to climb. The flowers are blue, purple, or white, and the seeds are contained in a pod that is up to 6 cm long.

Cultivation

Grass pea is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor and drought-prone soils. It is often grown as a cover crop to improve soil fertility, as it is able to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. The seeds are sown in the spring or autumn and the plants are harvested in the summer or early autumn.

Uses

The seeds of the grass pea are edible and are often used in soups and stews. They can also be ground into a flour and used to make bread. The plant is also used as a forage crop for livestock.

Health effects

While the grass pea is a valuable food and forage crop, it contains a neurotoxin called ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) that can cause a neurological disorder known as lathyrism if consumed in large amounts over a long period of time. This has led to restrictions on the cultivation and consumption of grass pea in some regions.

See also

• Legume
• Cover crop
• Lathyrism

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