The position of this taxa is unclear. We can find little information on it apart from the Journal in which it was first described and a reference to its leaves being edible. We are awaiting a review of the Genus to enable us to discover its current status[].

Common Name:

General Information

Vicia heptajuga is a herbaceous perennial plant.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Korea

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fairly heavy loam but succeeds in a sunny position in most soils that are well-drained. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes dry conditions.
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

Young leaves - cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in spring or autumn. The seed has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.