Lathyrus quinquenervius
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Lathyrus quinquenervius is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Wet grassy places and thickets by rivers in lowland C. and S. Japan. Hill slopes, forest and road sides to elevations of 2500 metres in northern China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves and young stems - cooked.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. Plants succeed in wet soils in Japan and so it is worth trying them in such conditions in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun. 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.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious). Great caution is advised.