Rajenik, Kidney vetch
Anthyllis vulneraria

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60 cm high and spreads 1 m wide. The taproot is strong. The stem can lie along the ground or be erect. It is hairy. The leaves at the base can be simple or divided. The upper leaves are divided into leaflets along the stalk. The end leaflet is the largest. The flowers are pale yellow or red. They are in oval heads.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs well-drained limestone soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Europe (country/location of origin), Libya, Luxembourg, North Africa, Slovenia

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

It is grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Pravi ranjak

Synonyms

Anthyllis dillenii Schult. ex Steud.; and others