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Tuberous Pea

Lathyrus tuberosus

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Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Fabales

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea)

Also in this family:

Alpine Milk-vetch, Alsike Clover, Birdsfoot, Birdsfoot Clover, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bithynian Vetch, Bitter Vetch, Black Broom, Black Medick, Bladder Senna, Broad Bean, Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea, Bur Medick, Burrowing Clover, Bush Vetch, Clustered Clover, Common Broom, Common Gorse, Common Laburnum, Common Restharrow, Common Vetch, Crimson Clover, Crown Vetch, Dragon's Teeth, Dwarf Gorse, Dyer's Greenweed, False Acacia, Fine-leaved Vetch, Fodder Vetch, Garden Lupin, Garden Pea, Goat's Rue, Grass Vetchling, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hairy Greenweed, Hairy Tare, Hairy Vetchling, Hairy-fruited Broom, Haresfoot Clover, Hop Trefoil, Horseshoe Vetch, Hungarian Vetch, Kidney Vetch, Knotted Clover, Large Trefoil, Lesser Trefoil, Lucerne, Marsh Pea, Meadow Vetchling, Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot Trefoil, Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea, Narrow-leaved Vetch, Nootka Lupin, Norfolk Everlasting Pea, Orange Birdsfoot, Petty Whin, Purple Milk-vetch, Purple Oxytropis, Red Clover, Reversed Clover, Ribbed Melilot, Rough Clover, Russell Lupin, Sainfoin, Scorpion Senna, Scottish Laburnum, Sea Clover, Sea Pea, Sickle Medick, Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil, Slender Tare, Slender Trefoil, Small Melilot, Small Restharrow, Smooth Tare, Spanish Broom, Spanish Gorse, Spiny Restharrow, Spotted Medick, Spring Vetch, Strawberry Clover, Suffocated Clover, Sulphur Clover, Tall Melilot, Toothed Medick, Tree Lupin, Tufted Vetch, Twin-headed Clover, Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, Upright Clover, Upright Vetch, Western Clover, Western Gorse, White Broom, White Clover, White Lupin, White Melilot, Wild Liquorice, Wood Vetch, Yellow Oxytropis, Yellow Vetch, Yellow Vetchling, Zigzag Clover

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

1 metre tall

Habitats:

Fields, gardens, grassland, hedgerows, meadows, parks, roadsides, rocky places, sand dunes, scrub, seaside, towns, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

Purple, 5 petals

The tuberous pea produces flowers with a light and delicate fragrance. The blossoms, ranging in hues from pink to purple, contribute to a subtle and pleasant scent. While not overpowering, the floral fragrance enhances the overall appeal of the plant, creating a charming olfactory experience. These fragrant flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, adding to the aesthetic allure of the tuberous pea in natural settings or gardens in the United Kingdom. Pollinated by bees.

Fruit:

The tuberous pea develops elongated seed pods as its fruit. While these pods are not known for a distinctive fragrance, they are essential for the plant's reproductive process. The scent associated with the fruit is generally mild and subtle, with the primary focus being on the maturation of seeds within the pods. The elongated seed pods follow the flowering stage, offering visual interest and contributing to the plant's life cycle. In the United Kingdom, the tuberous pea's fruit is a key element in the plant's reproductive and ecological role, though it is not typically noted for a strong or notable fragrance. The seeds ripen in August.

Leaves:

The leaves of the tuberous pea are not renowned for their fragrance. Instead, the aromatic aspects of the plant are primarily associated with its flowers. The leaves, which are compound and arranged alternately along the stem, serve the plant's photosynthetic function and support its overall growth. They do not emit a distinctive scent, and any fragrance associated with the tuberous pea plant is more likely to come from the blooms rather than its foliage. In the United Kingdom, the focus on the tuberous pea's appeal is often centered around its visual elements, with the leaves contributing to the plant's overall structure and vitality.

Aroma:

The tuberous pea is known to exhibit a light and pleasant fragrance. The flowers of this plant contribute to its aromatic quality, emitting a delicate scent. While not as intense as some other fragrant flowers, the tuberous pea's floral aroma adds to the overall sensory experience when in close proximity to the plant. The fragrance is often subtle and complements the visual appeal of the pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.

Other Names:

Aardaker, Earthnut Pea, Fyfield Pea, Tine-tare, Tuberous Sweetpea, Tuberous Vetchling.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Summary

Lathyrus tuberosus, also known as earthnut pea or tuberous pea, is a perennial herb in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and typically grows in fields, meadows, and other disturbed areas. The plant has pinnate leaves and small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The root of the plant is edible, and it is similar in taste to a potato. It is not commonly consumed and it is not considered to be toxic. The seeds of Lathyrus tuberosus are also toxic and not to be consumed, eating large amounts of them over a period of time can cause a neurological disorder called lathyrism.

Blog

Fyfield pea, scientifically known as Lathyrus tuberosus, is a lesser-known plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and is found growing in fields, meadows, and open woodlands. Although it is not widely cultivated for food, the Fyfield pea is a unique and interesting plant that has many potential uses.

Description

The Fyfield pea is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has a long, thin stem that is covered with small, thin leaves. The plant produces a few small pink or purplish flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are followed by small pods that contain 1-3 seeds. The seeds are brown and round, and about the size of a pea.

Cultivation

The Fyfield pea is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant can be propagated from seeds, which can be sown in the spring or fall. Once established, the Fyfield pea requires little maintenance and can be left to grow on its own.

Uses

The Fyfield pea has a few different uses, both as a food source and as a medicinal plant. Historically, the plant was grown as a food crop in some parts of Europe, especially during times of famine. The seeds contain a high amount of protein and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, they also contain a neurotoxin called beta-ODAP, which can cause a condition called lathyrism if consumed in large quantities. For this reason, the Fyfield pea is not widely cultivated for food today.

In addition to its potential as a food crop, the Fyfield pea has some medicinal properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, gout, and digestive issues. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand the medicinal potential of the Fyfield pea.

Overall, the Fyfield pea is a unique and interesting plant species that has many potential uses. While it is not widely cultivated for food today, it has a rich history as a food crop and is still used in traditional medicine. With more research, the Fyfield pea could have even more applications in the future.

Additional Information

The Fyfield pea is also sometimes referred to as the tuberous pea or earthnut pea because of the edible tubers that grow underground. These tubers are similar in appearance to small potatoes and can be cooked and eaten in a similar manner. However, they are not widely consumed today due to the presence of beta-ODAP, which can cause lathyrism if consumed in large quantities.

In addition to its potential as a food and medicinal crop, the Fyfield pea also has ecological value. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning that it has the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by other plants. This makes it a useful plant for improving soil fertility and biodiversity in ecosystems.

Unfortunately, the Fyfield pea is a rare and declining plant species in many parts of its range. It is considered endangered in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, where it has lost much of its traditional habitat to agriculture and urbanization. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore populations of the Fyfield pea, but more work is needed to ensure the survival of this unique and valuable plant species.

One interesting fact about the Fyfield pea is that it was once grown as a famine food in some parts of Europe. During times of food scarcity, people would turn to the tubers of the Fyfield pea as a source of sustenance. In fact, it is believed that the Fyfield pea was one of the crops that helped the Irish survive the potato famine of the 1840s, as it was one of the few plants that could grow in poor soil and harsh conditions.

Another potential use for the Fyfield pea is as a feedstock for biofuels. Because it is a nitrogen-fixing plant, it has the ability to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields, making it a potentially valuable crop for biofuel production. However, more research is needed to determine the feasibility of using the Fyfield pea as a feedstock for biofuels.

The Fyfield pea is also sometimes grown as an ornamental plant, valued for its delicate pink or purplish flowers and its interesting seed pods. It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can be grown in gardens or as a ground cover in wildflower meadows.

Fyfield pea (Lathyrus tuberosus) is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and is found growing in fields, meadows, and open woodlands. It is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

The Fyfield pea produces small pink or purplish flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are followed by small pods that contain 1-3 seeds. The seeds are brown and round, and about the size of a pea. The plant also has underground edible tubers, similar in appearance to small potatoes.

Historically, the Fyfield pea was grown as a food crop in some parts of Europe, especially during times of famine. The seeds contain a high amount of protein and are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but they also contain a neurotoxin called beta-ODAP, which can cause a condition called lathyrism if consumed in large quantities. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, gout, and digestive issues.

In addition to its potential as a food and medicinal crop, the Fyfield pea also has ecological value as a nitrogen-fixing plant that can improve soil fertility and biodiversity in ecosystems. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental plant, valued for its delicate flowers and interesting seed pods.

The Fyfield pea is a rare and declining plant species in many parts of its range, and conservation efforts are needed to protect and restore populations. Despite its potential uses, it is not widely cultivated for food today due to the presence of the neurotoxin beta-ODAP.

30 Amazing Tuberous Pea Facts

Scientific Name: Tuberous peas belong to the Lathyrus family, with the scientific name Lathyrus tuberosus.
Tuberous Roots: These peas are known for their edible tuberous roots, which resemble small potatoes.
Appearance: The plant typically grows up to 1 meter in height and features compound leaves with several pairs of leaflets.
Flowering Time: Tuberous peas produce attractive pink to purple flowers in late spring to early summer.
Native Habitat: Native to Europe and western Asia, tuberous peas are found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands.
Culinary Use: The tuberous roots are edible and can be cooked and consumed, often prepared in a manner similar to potatoes.
Nutrient Content: Tuberous peas are a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and some essential minerals.
Historical Usage: Historically, tuberous peas were consumed as a famine food in certain regions due to their hardiness and availability.
Climbing Habit: The plant has a climbing habit, using tendrils to ascend other plants or structures for support.
Hardiness: Tuberous peas are hardy plants and can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor and sandy soils.
Invasive Nature: In some regions, tuberous peas can be invasive, spreading through the growth of their tuberous roots.
Wildlife Interaction: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to local ecosystems.
Gardening Challenges: While hardy, tuberous peas can be challenging to control in garden settings due to their vigorous growth.
Folklore: In some cultures, tuberous peas are associated with various folklore and traditional uses.
Vegetative Reproduction: The plant can reproduce both by seed and vegetatively through the spreading of its tuberous roots.
Medicinal Uses: Some traditional medicine systems use parts of the tuberous pea plant for medicinal purposes.
Drought Tolerance: Tuberous peas exhibit a degree of drought tolerance, making them suitable for arid or semi-arid environments.
Soil Enrichment: The plant's growth can contribute to soil enrichment by fixing nitrogen.
Companion Planting: Tuberous peas can be used as companion plants to improve soil fertility in vegetable gardens.
Adaptability: Tuberous peas can adapt to a variety of climates, from temperate to subtropical regions.
Unique Tubers: The tuberous roots have a unique nutty flavor, distinguishing them from other root vegetables.
Perennial Nature: Tuberous peas are perennial plants, returning year after year under favorable conditions.
Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, with each leaf composed of several leaflets.
Fragrance: The flowers of tuberous peas may have a light, pleasant fragrance.
Seed Pods: After flowering, the plant produces elongated seed pods that contain seeds for reproduction.
Growth Rate: Tuberous peas are known for their relatively rapid growth, especially during the growing season.
Pest Resistance: These peas have a level of resistance to certain pests and diseases.
Traditional Cuisine: In some regions, tuberous peas are featured in traditional cuisines in various culinary preparations.
Ethnobotanical Significance: Tuberous peas have ethnobotanical significance in the traditional practices of certain indigenous communities.
Biodiversity: The presence of tuberous peas contributes to biodiversity, supporting various insects and wildlife in their ecosystem.

Video

Tuberous Peas filmed at Formby in Lancashire on the 4th June 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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Tuberous Pea

Contents

Plant Profile

Other Information