Common Name: Manystem Peavine

General Information

Lathyrus polymorphus is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of stems and growing up to 40cm tall. The stems often grow into other plants for support, attaching themselves by means of tendrils.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It has excellent potential for use as a soil stabilizer.

Known Hazards

Although no specific records of toxicity have been found for this species, the seed and other parts of many Lathyrus species 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

Central N. America - S. Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, eastern Texas.

Habitat

Prairies and plains[]. Dry open pinewoods; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,100 metres in Arizona. Hillsides and open places in western S. Dakota.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lathyrus polymorphus is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -35°c when fully dormant[].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
There are conflicting reports on whether or not this species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, so it is unclear as to whether it fixes atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

Seedpods and seeds[, , , ]. No more details are given.

Seedpods - cooked[, , , ].

Young shoots - cooked and eaten as a greens[].

Medicinal

The plant has been used to help remove the placenta after child birth[].
The plant has disinfectant properties, a cold infusion has been used internally and as a wash in the treatment of 'deer infection'[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has a horizontal, spreading root system and has excellent potential in erosion control along the sides of highways and gullies[].

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.
If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring[].
Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[].