Asparagus pea, Winged pea
Lotus tetragonolobus

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A spreading annual plant. The leaves have 3 leaflets. Each leaflet has teeth. There are stipules or leaf like structures which are large and green. The flowers are red. The pods are square and have wings. These are wavy. The pod contains 6-9 small reddish-brown seed.

There are about 100 Lotus species.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Caucasus, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Libya, Mediterranean, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Sicily, Spain, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine

How it is used for food

The pods are eaten when small (2.5 cm). They have an asparagus like flavour. They can be stir-fried, or added to soups and stews. The seeds are eaten like peas. They are boiled and used in soups. The roasted seeds are used in the preparation of coffee like drink.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Pods, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bin dow, Loto rosso

Synonyms

Lotus palaestinus Boiss.; Tetragonolobus edulis Link; Tetragonolobus purpureus Moench;