Smooth tare, Four-leaved slender vetch, Slender tare
Vicia tetrasperma

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A slender scrambling annual herb. The leaves have 3-6 pairs of leaflets. They are usually alternate. They are narrowly oblong and 5-20 mm long by 1-3 mm wide. They have a very small sharp tip. The stalk of the leaf has a tendril at the end. There are 1 or 2 flowers in a group. The flower stalks are 2-4 cm long. The petals are pale blue and there is a purple spot on the keel. The pods are oblong and 10-15 mm long by 3.5 mm wide. There are usually 4 seeds. The pods are smooth and light brown. The seeds are almost round and 2 mm across. The seeds are brown.

There are about 140 Vicia species. They are mostly temperate.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In China it grows from sea level to 2,900 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe, France, Himalayas, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, Norfolk Island, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The young leaves and shoots are eaten. They are also used as a coffee substitute.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kasuma-gusa

Synonyms

Ervum tetraspermum L.;