Beach-pea (Lathyrus japonicus, Willdenow. (1802). Species Plantarum. Tomus III. Pars II. 3(2): 851-1474.)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Willdenow. (1802). Species Plantarum. Tomus III. Pars II. 3(2): 851-1474.

Year: 1802

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lathyrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & NE. Europe, E. Siberia to China and Japan, Aleutian Is. to W. & N. U.S.A.

Description

Beach-pea, scientifically named Lathyrus japonicus, is a perennial plant that thrives in coastal areas and is widely recognized for its resilience and adaptability. This member of the Fabaceae family can be found across diverse regions, stretching from Northern and Northeastern Europe, through Eastern Siberia, and extending to China and Japan. It also makes its home in the Aleutian Islands and a broad range of territories from Western to Northern United States of America.

Originally described in 1802 by Karl Ludwig Willdenow in his comprehensive botanical work Species Plantarum, Tomus III. Pars II, this plant has garnered attention for its unique botanical characteristics and ecological importance. Beach-pea typically grows in sandy and gravelly soils, often in close proximity to shorelines where it can withstand salty conditions and strong winds. Its presence along coastlines helps in preventing soil erosion, making it an essential component in maintaining the integrity of coastal environments.

The plant features vibrant purplish-pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to the often harsh and barren coastal landscapes. The leaves are pinnate with paired leaflets, characteristic of many species within the Fabaceae family, and they exhibit a delicate, feathery appearance. As with many legumes, Lathyrus japonicus plays a significant role in nitrogen fixation, thus contributing to the nutrient cycle within its ecosystem.

In addition to its ecological significance, Beach-pea has also been noted for its potential uses in traditional medicine and culinary applications, although caution is advised due to the presence of certain compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. The plant’s seeds and shoots have been utilized in various indigenous practices, underscoring its multifaceted importance to numerous cultures.

Overall, Beach-pea stands out not only for its charming aesthetics but also for its functional role within its habitat. Its ability to thrive in challenging coastal conditions makes it a fascinating subject for both botanical study and environmental conservation efforts.

Common Names

Eng: beach pea, beach-pea, sea pea, sea-pea, beach peavine, sea vetchling, seaside pea
Dan: strand-fladbælg, strandært
Deu: strandplatterbse
Fra: gesse de mer, pois-de-mer, gesse maritime, gesse du japon, gesse japonaise, pois de mer
Fin: merinätkelmä
Swe: merinätkelmä, strandvial, strandärt
Nob: strandflatbelg
Nno: strandskolm
Nld: zeelathyrus
Sme: riddosáhpal
En: Beach-pea, Sea-pea, Beach Pea, Sea Pea, Beach peavine, Sea vetchling, Seaside pea
Da: Strand-fladbælg, Strandært
Nl: Zeelathyrus
Fi: Merinätkelmä
Fr: Pois-de-mer, Gesse de mer, Gesse maritime, Gesse du Japon, Gesse japonaise, Pois de mer
De: Strandplatterbse
Se: Riddosáhpal
Nb: Strandflatbelg
Nn: Strandskolm
Sv: Merinätkelmä, Strandvial, Strandärt

Synonyms

• Lathyrus japonicus var. typicus (Fernald)
• Orobus japonicus ((Willd.) Alef.)

Distribution

• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• California (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Chile Central (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by norbert verneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2021 by anna bulford (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Jan Bek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by sabine schweingruber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Guilhem Espert (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 17, 2015 by EOL − Matt Bowser (cc-by)

Taken May 1, 2014 by Genghis Attenborough (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by norbert verneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Rossu . (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2003 by Frédérique Voinier (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Fischer s (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by norbert verneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Pierre-Paul Nuckle (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Zo W (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by cecilie uldum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Sommer Rafferty-Lafata (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2020 by Ida Oda (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken May 22, 2017 by Alexandre Leluault (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Joseph Moulaison (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30381438-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356714)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus japonicus Willd.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 7

Soil salinity: 5