Common Name: Caley Pea

General Information

Lathyrus hirsutus is an annual plant forming erect to clambering stems that branch from the base and attach themselves to nearby vegetation by means of tendrils; the plant can grow up to 50cm tall[, ].
The plant is used as a green manure and soil improver.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant, but especially the seed, contain a toxic amino-acid. It is produced in the plant at about the same time that the seed starts to develop. In small quantities the amino acid is innocuous, and the seeds of several Lathyrus species are eaten as a nutritious part of the diet. However, in larger quantities (the seed should form less than 30% of a balanced diet), it can cause a very serious disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism'. Symptoms appear as a paralysis of the muscles below the knees, pains in the back, followed by weakness and stiffness of the legs and progressive locomotive incoordination[, , ].

Botanical References

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Range

Eurasia - Germany to Portugal, east through southern Russia and Greece to central Asia and the Himalayas; N. Africa - Macaronesia, Morocco to Egypt

Habitat

Fields, weedy places, shrubby formations, rarely in meadows, forests, river valleys, in mountains; at elevations up to 1,880 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Lathyrus hirsutus is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -15°c when fully dormant
Species in this genus generally grow well when given a position in full sun in most, moderately fertile, well-drained soils[].
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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a green manure and soil cover for preventing erosion and for rehabilitating degraded land[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Seeds can be sown in situ, and are often sown in the autumn in areas with mild winters.