Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 773 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lotus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit.
Description
Asparagus-pea, scientifically known as Lotus tetragonolobus, is a fascinating plant hailing from the Mediterranean region. This unique member of the Fabaceae family is celebrated for its unusual and intriguing characteristics.
The plant displays a sprawling growth habit with trailing stems that can spread outwards, making it a distinctive addition to any garden. One of the most remarkable features of the Asparagus-pea is its intriguingly shaped pods, which are distinctly angular, bearing four wing-like ridges that set them apart from other legumes. These pods are typically harvested while young and tender, at which point they offer a delightful crunch and are often enjoyed as a vegetable in various culinary preparations.
The flowers of the Asparagus-pea are equally captivating, presenting a vivid display of deep red hues that not only add a splash of color to the garden but also attract beneficial pollinators. The blooms occur in the warmer months, making it a vibrant summer plant that livens up the landscape.
As with many legumes, Lotus tetragonolobus contributes positively to soil health by fixing nitrogen, a process facilitated by its symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria. This characteristic allows it to enrich the soil and benefit surrounding plants, making it a valuable addition to crop rotation systems and sustainable gardening practices.
Cultivating Asparagus-pea is relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, reflecting its Mediterranean origins. Regular watering is essential to ensure consistent growth and pod development, particularly during dry spells. When grown in optimal conditions, this plant can yield an abundant harvest of its unique pods, which can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or even pickled for prolonged storage and enjoyment.
In summary, Lotus tetragonolobus, or Asparagus-pea, is a versatile and visually appealing plant that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. Its distinctive appearance, coupled with its utility in the kitchen and garden, makes it a plant worth considering for gardening enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike.
Common Names
Deu: flügelerbse, spargelerbse
Eng: asparagus-pea, winged pea, winged-pea
Spa: bocha cultivada, loto cultivado
Fra: lotier rouge
Por: loto-vermelho
Swe: sparrisärt
En: Asparagus-pea, Winged-pea, Winged pea
Ar: لوطس فلسطيني
Zh: 翅荚百脉根, 齿荚百脉根
Da: Aspargesært
Nl: Asperge-erwt
Fi: Punaparsaherne, Parsaherne
Fr: Lotier rouge, Lotier pourpre, Lotier des lieux humides, Pois-café, Tétragonolobe pourpre
De: Flügelerbse, Spargelerbse, Rote Spargelbohne, Rote Spargelerbse
It: Casciateddi, Ginestrino purpureo, Pisello da caffè
No: Aspargesert
Pl: Głąbigroszek szkarłatny
Pt: Loto-vermelho
Es: Loto cultivado, Bocha cultivada
Sv: Sparrisärt
Synonyms
- Lotus purpureus var. palaestinus ((Boiss.) Post)
- Tetragonolobus edulis (Link)
- Tetragonolobus pseudopurpureus (Uechtr.)
- Lotus purpureus ((Moench) E.H.L.Krause)
- Lotus tetraptera (Stokes)
- Lotus tetragonolobus subsp. palaestinus (Holmboe)
- Scandalida rubra (Medik.)
- Tetragonolobus tetragonolobus ((L.) Asch. & Graebn.)
- Tetragonolobus palaestinus (Boiss.)
- Lotus palaestinus ((Boiss.) Holmboe)
- Tetragonolobus purpureus (Moench)
- Tetragonolobus purpureus subsp. palaestinus ((Boiss.) Ponert)
- Scandalida tetragonoloba ((L.) Medik.)
- Tetragonolobus siliquosus var. maritimus ((L.) Ser.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Victoria (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.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 1, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2019 by Antonio Pérez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2019 by Johanna Mayrhofer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 11, 2019 by iannizzotto michele (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 19, 2018 by Eduard Jendek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Antonio Barba Herrers (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 10, 2017 by Eric Rebsamen (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356862)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:503918-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lotus tetragonolobus L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 7
