Common Name: Sweet Pea

General Information

Lathyrus odoratus is an annual climbing plant with a much-branched stem; it can grow 50 - 200cm tall, the stem scrambling over the ground and climbing into nearby vegetation where it attaches itself by means of tendrils[].
The plant is the source of an essential oil used in perfumery and various plant extracts used in cosmetic preparations. The plant is commonly cultivated as an ornamental in gardems, valued especially for its sweetly-smelling flowers.

Known Hazards

The seed contains a toxin that is easily extractable in cold water or alcohol[]. This toxin causes symptoms different to lathyrism (a disease of the nervous system caused by eating the seeds of certain members of this genus)[]. Symptoms include reproduction failure and degenerative arthritis[].
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

,

Range

S. Europe - southern Italy, Sicily and Crete

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual Climber
Height	1.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good well-drained garden soil[], whether acid or alkaline[]. Prefers a position in full sun[] but it also does well in partial shade[].
A very ornamental plant, the sweet pea is often cultivated for its sweet smelling flowers, there are many named varieties[]. Plants climb by means of tendrils[].
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

The seeds are rich in vitamin A[], though the report does not say that the seeds are edible[].
The fruit is edible[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery[, ]. It is used to perfume soap[].

An extract of the flowers is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
An extract of the seed is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin protector[].

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.
If you have sufficient seed, then it can be sown in situ in mid spring[]. The seed can also be sown in situ in the autumn[, ].