| Lathyrus nissolia | |
|---|---|
) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Lathyrus |
| Species: | L. nissolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Lathyrus nissolia (L.) Döll | |
Lathyrus nissolia, the grass vetchling or grass pea,[1] is a plant species of the genus Lathyrus. It is native to most of Europe, Maghreb, Levant and the Caucasus. Despite its common names, it is not a grass, but belongs to the legume family Fabaceae.
Description
Grass vetchling is an annual plant, with an erect stem branching from the base, and growing to a height of about 2 feet (0.7 m). It is entirely without true leaves, leaflets or tendrils. The leaf stalk, however, is flattened out until it closely resembles a blade of grass ending in a fine point, and the stipules at its base greatly help the deception.[1]
The crimson flowers come out in June and July, and are rather small, solitary and borne on a very long footstalk. They have the ability to self-pollinate.[1]
The flowers are succeeded by long, slender, straight pods, which are at first very flat, but become cylindrical when the contained peas are fully developed.[1]
Habitat
Grassland, banks and field margins on neutral to acid soil.[2]
Distribution
The species is rare in Scotland and very localised in England and Wales, though there are signs that it is currently spreading in the United Kingdom.[2] Not recorded from Ireland.[3]
References