Cyprus-vetch, Ochrus-vetch
Lathyrus ochrus

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An annual plant about 0.6 m high. The stems are winged. The leaves have broad leaf like stalks. The upper leaflets have 1-2 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are pale yellow. The fruit are pods 40-60 mm long with 2 wings along the upper edge.

There are about 150 Lathyrus species.

Where it is found

It grows in dry places. It occurs in Mediterranean regions. It can tolerate moderately poor soil. It prefers a sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Balkans, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Sicily, Spain - Canary Islands, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

CAUTION: This plant should only be eaten in small amounts because of an amino acid which affects the nervous system. The seed are cooked and eaten. They are also used in omelettes and stews. The leaves and stems are eaten in salads.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Roots, seeds, leaves, stems

How it is grown

Seed should be presoaked for 24 hours in warm water. Seeds can be sown in a nursery and transplanted when small or sown directly where they are to grow.

Its other names

Local names

Gambilya, Luvana, Winged vetchling

Synonyms

Pisum ochrus L.;