Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 730 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lathyrus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit. to W. Himalaya
Description
The Inconspicuous Pea, known scientifically as Lathyrus inconspicuus, is a fascinating member of the Fabaceae family. Described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant enjoys a historical prominence in botanical literature.
Lathyrus inconspicuus is native to a vast geographical range, spanning from the Mediterranean region to the western regions of the Himalayas. This adaptability to such diverse climates underscores the plant’s resilience and ecological versatility.
As the common name suggests, the Inconspicuous Pea is not a plant that immediately catches the eye, often dwelling modestly among more flamboyant flora. However, its understated presence belies a robust and adaptable nature. Like other members of the Fabaceae family, it plays a vital role in its ecosystem, contributing to soil health through its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. This process enriches the soil, benefiting surrounding plant life and fostering biodiversity.
Botanists and plant enthusiasts appreciate the Inconspicuous Pea for its subtle charm and significant ecological contributions. Whether you encounter it in the sun-baked terrain of the Mediterranean or the lofty altitudes of the Himalayas, Lathyrus inconspicuus remains a testament to the quiet strength and utility found in nature’s more modest creations.
Common Names
Eng: inconspicuous pea, solitary-flowered pea
Deu: kleinblütige platterbse
Swe: dvärgvial
En: Inconspicuous pea, Solitary-Flowered Pea
Fi: Vähänätkelmä
Fr: Gesse à petites fleurs
De: Kleinblütige Platterbse
He: טופח זקוף
It: Cicerchia a fiore piccolo, Cicerchia
Sv: Dvärgvial
Synonyms
- Graphiosa inconspicua var. eriocarpa (Alef.)
- Graphiosa inconspicua ((L.) Alef.)
- Pisum inconspicuum ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
- Orobus inconspicuus ((L.) A.Braun)
- Lathyrus inconspicuus var. oblongus (Ser.)
- Lathyrus inconspicuus subvar. leiocarpus (Rouy)
- Lathyrus sphaericus subsp. inconspicuus ((L.) Batt.)
- Lathyrus inconspicuus var. stans ((Vis.) Vis.)
- Lathyrus inconspicuus subvar. grandiflorus (Rouy)
- Lathyrus inconspicuus var. erectus ((Lag.) H.Lindb.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Maryland (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356614)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501773-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus inconspicuus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]