Lathyrus sativus aka Indian Pea

Taxonomy

Lathyrus sativus, also known as grass pea, cicerchia, blue sweet pea, chickling pea, chickling vetch, Indian pea, white pea and white vetch, is a legume commonly grown for human consumption and livestock feed in Asia and East Africa. It is particularly important in areas prone to drought and famine as it produces reliable yields when all other crops fail, making it an 'insurance crop'. The Serra de'Conti Cicerchia is included in the Ark of Taste. Chickling vetch is a nutritious legume grown to feed livestock and humans in countries around the world. It is relatively drought-tolerant and fixes a tremendous amount of nitrogen in the soil, providing a huge amount of beneficial organic matter that can be composted or plowed back into the soil after flowering. Chickling vetch has ornamental value as well, producing white, purple, pink and blue blooms in midsummer, often on the same plant. However, the seeds contain a neurotoxin that causes lathyrism, a neurodegenerative disease, if eaten as a primary protein source for a prolonged period. Lastly, grass pea is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive, and likes soil that is well-draining. It belongs to the Lathyrus genus, but its native location is unknown.

Common names

Indian Pea, Grass Pea, Cicerchia, Blue Sweet Pea, Chickling Pea

How to care for Indian Pea

Difficulty

Indian Pea requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Indian Pea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Pea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Indian Pea requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Indian Pea will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Indian Pea’s native range is The original habitat is obscure, possibly S. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia