Grass pea Lathyrus sativus

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Grass Pea, Chickling Vetch, White Vetch, Chickling Pea, Indian Pea, White Peavine, Almorta.

• Common names

  Lathyrus sativus var. albus, Lathyrus sativus var. amphicarpos, Lathyrus sativus var. axillaris, Lathyrus sativus var. fischeri, Lathyrus sativus var. flavus, Lathyrus sativus var. leucospermus, Lathyrus sativus var. pallidus, Lathyrus sativus var. salmoneus, Lathyrus sativus var. sativus, Orobus sativus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Lathyrus sativus, commonly known as grass pea, contains a neurotoxic amino acid called β-ODAP (beta-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) or ODAP. This compound can cause a condition known as lathyrism when consumed in large quantities or as a significant part of the diet over a long period. Symptoms of lathyrism may include weakness and paralysis of the lower limbs, and in severe cases, it can lead to permanent paralysis and muscle wasting. Acute toxicity from short-term consumption is rare, but the risk increases with the quantity consumed and the duration of the diet heavily based on this plant.

• To pets

  Lathyrus sativus, commonly known as grass pea, also poses a risk of toxicity to pets if ingested in large amounts over time. The same neurotoxic amino acid, β-ODAP, that affects humans can lead to a condition in pets known as lathyrism. Symptoms in animals can mirror those found in humans, such as weakness, difficulty walking, and potentially permanent hind limb paralysis if consumed as a significant part of their diet over an extended period. It's important to avoid feeding pets substantial amounts of grass pea to prevent these toxic effects.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  3 feet (0.91 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• High Nutritional Value: Provides essential nutrients such as proteins, fiber, and minerals.
• Sustainable Crop: Requires minimal inputs such as water and fertilizers compared to other legumes.
• Drought Resistance: Adapts well to arid conditions making it suitable for cultivation in drought-prone areas.
• Soil Improvement: Fixes atmospheric nitrogen to enrich soil fertility through its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria.
• Food Security: Can be an important crop in areas with limited food resources, contributing to local diets and nutrition.
• Animal Fodder: Used as animal feed, especially for cattle and poultry, due to its high protein content.
• Green Manure: When ploughed back into the field, it enhances soil organic matter and nutrients.
• Cultural Significance: Holds traditional importance in some cultures where it is used in various local cuisines.
• Gluten-Free: Serves as a gluten-free food option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Medical Properties

• Neuroprotective effects: Lathyrus sativus has been studied for neuroprotective properties that might be beneficial in neurological conditions.
• Antioxidant properties: The seeds contain antioxidants that help in scavenging free radicals, which can potentially reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• Nutritional supplement: Due to its high protein content, it has been used to supplement diets in areas where other protein sources may be scarce, although caution is advised due to potential toxicity from excessive consumption.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lathyrus sativus, commonly known as grass pea, can be used as a famine food, typically grown and consumed in times of food scarcity due to its hardiness and ability to grow in challenging environments.
• The seeds of grass pea are sometimes used as animal feed, particularly for poultry and cattle, as a protein-rich supplement to their diet.
• In some countries, grass pea seeds are roasted and ground into flour to make bread or other local dishes, providing a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.
• The flowers of the grass pea plant are often used for ornamental purposes in gardens, owing to their delicate and attractive appearance.
• Grass pea plants are used in crop rotation systems to improve soil health, as they are able to fix nitrogen and thereby enrich the soil.
• Grass pea straw, post-harvest, can be utilized as fodder for livestock, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural practices.
• The plant can act as a cover crop, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion during the off-season in agricultural land.
• Being drought-resistant, grass pea is planted for soil stabilization in arid regions where other plants might not survive.
• The stems and leaves of grass pea can be composted and used as organic fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil.
• In some traditional practices, grass pea plants are used as a natural pest repellent, where farmers grow them alongside other crops to protect against certain insects.

Feng Shui

The grass pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The grass pea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Survival: Lathyrus sativus, commonly known as grass pea, is known for its ability to survive in drought conditions, making it symbolize resilience and adaptability.
• Nourishment: Being an edible legume, grass pea represents sustenance and the provision of essential needs.
• Caution: Since the grass pea can be toxic when consumed in large quantities due to a neurotoxin it produces, it can also symbolize the idea of moderation and the potential dangers of excess.
• Hope: The grass pea, often grown in poor soil conditions where other crops fail, is a symbol of hope and the possibility to thrive amidst adversity.