Lotus edulis aka Lotus Edulis

Lotus edulis is an annual in the pea family, Fabaceae. It comes from the Mediterranean region and grows in subtropical climates. Its range spans southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It includes Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and nearby islands. The plant also occurs in Turkey, Cyprus, and the eastern Mediterranean. North African records extend from Morocco to Egypt. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This low plant spreads to about 1.3 feet (0.4 metres). It grows in sandy, stony, and rocky places in the wild. In gardens, it can grow in cultivated beds. Flowers appear from June to October. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects provide pollination. Seeds ripen from July to October. The edible pods reach about 0.1 feet (0.03 metres) long. Their small size makes them fiddly to gather and prepare.

Young pods can be eaten raw or cooked. Plants For A Future describes their taste as close to French beans. It gives the plant a moderate rating for food use. The same source lists no known hazards, but this is not proof of safety in every setting. It records no medicinal uses or other uses beyond those described. The available evidence gives no details about pests or diseases. It also gives no hardiness rating or clear frost limit.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well. The plant does not grow in shade. Sandy soil and loam suit it, with dry or moist conditions. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. Plants For A Future reports good pod crops outdoors at Kew. Its Cornwall trials also produced crops, though damp weather made seed ripening harder. The source notes that firm cultivation guidance remains limited. Root bacteria form nodules that take nitrogen from the air. The plant uses some of this nitrogen; nearby plants may benefit too.

To raise plants, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Sow them where they will grow during spring. Germination usually takes two to four weeks at 15°C. Small seed stocks can instead start in cold-frame pots. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them out in late spring or early summer.