Broad-pod vetch (Vicia peregrina, Sp. pl. 2:737. 1753)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:737. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vicia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Madeira, Medit. to C. Asia and Vietnam

Description

Broad-pod vetch, scientifically known as Vicia peregrina, is a fascinating species belonging to the Fabaceae family. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its widespread habitat and distinctive characteristics.

This resilient legume is predominantly found in Mediterranean regions, extending its presence from Madeira to Central Asia and even reaching as far as Vietnam. The broad geographical distribution of broad-pod vetch is a testament to its adaptability and ecological versatility. It thrives in a variety of climatic conditions, making it an integral component of the flora in these diverse areas.

Recognizable by its broad seed pods, Vicia peregrina contributes to the ecological fabric by enhancing soil fertility through its nitrogen-fixing abilities—a common trait among members of the Fabaceae family. The vibrant greens of its sprawling foliage provide a lush underbrush in its native habitats, forming part of the complex ecosystems where it resides.

Botanically, broad-pod vetch is an exemplar of adaptive evolution within its genus, exhibiting traits that allow it to flourish in both temperate and warmer climates, from the sun-kissed landscapes of the Mediterranean to the diverse environments of Central Asia and Vietnam. Its contribution to local agriculture, biodiversity, and soil health underlines its ecological importance, making Vicia peregrina more than just a picturesque wildflower, but a vital participant in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agricultural practices across its range.

Common Names

Deu: fremd-wicke, fremde wicke
Dan: vandre-vikke
Eng: wandering vetch, broad-pod vetch
Hun: idegen bükköny
Cat: vícia peregrina
Swe: pilgrimsvicker
En: Broad-pod vetch, Wandering vetch, Broad-podded Vetch, Rambling Vetch
Ar: دحريج (دُحريج)، جلبان (جِلبان، جُلُبان)
Ca: Vícia peregrina, Vicía peregrina
Da: Vandre-vikke
Fr: Vesce à gousses larges, Vesce voyageuse
De: Fremd-Wicke, Fremde Wicke, Landstreicher-Wicke
He: בקיה מצויה
Hu: Idegen bükköny
It: Veccia smussata, Veccia viaggiatrice
Es: Veza peregrina
Sv: Pilgrimsvicker

Synonyms

• Vicia peregrina subvar. albiflora (Cadevall)
• Vicia peregrina var. pallidiflora (Lange ex Willk.)
• Vicia sativa var. peregrina ((L.) Mérat)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Switzerland (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.

Flower

Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Marsen Matressa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Víctor Huete (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Giorgia 2pl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2018 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2019 by Mehmet Basbag (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 1, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Marta Paplińska (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2019 by Rentero Alonso de Linaje Cristina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Marsen Matressa (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 5, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2021 by Benito Soto Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 22, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Deniz A Deger (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 10, 2006 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 10, 2006 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 2, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2975262)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:525037-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia peregrina L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb, Vine

Growth