Lathyrus aphaca

Lathyrus aphaca, also known as the Yellow Vetchling or Yellow Pea, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Description

Lathyrus aphaca is an annual plant that grows to a height of 10-70 cm. It has a unique growth habit, with leaves replaced by tendrils and leaf-like stipules. The flowers are yellow and borne in pairs, blooming from May to August. The fruit is a pod containing several seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

Lathyrus aphaca is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions. In its native range, it is commonly found in the Mediterranean region, extending to Central Asia and the Caucasus. In its introduced range, it can be invasive and is considered a weed in some areas.

Uses

While Lathyrus aphaca is primarily considered a weed, it has some uses. It can be used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility due to its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. However, it is not commonly used for this purpose due to its potential invasiveness.

Toxicity

Like many other species in the genus Lathyrus, Lathyrus aphaca contains a neurotoxic amino acid, ODAP, which can cause lathyrism, a neurological disease, if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is not recommended for consumption by humans or livestock.

Conservation Status

Lathyrus aphaca is not currently considered threatened or endangered. However, like all species, it could be affected by habitat loss and other environmental changes.

See Also

• Lathyrus
• Fabaceae
• Invasive species