Family: Fabaceae
Author: DC.
Bibliography: Cat. Pl. Horti Monsp.: 154 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vicia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, W. & C. Medit.
Description
Two-seed vetch, known scientifically as Vicia disperma, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. First cataloged by the botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in his 1813 publication “Catalogue des Plantes du Jardin de Montpellier,” this plant has captured the attention of botanists and naturalists for centuries.
Native to the regions of Macaronesia and the western and central Mediterranean, Two-seed vetch flourishes in these diverse climates, demonstrating a wide adaptability to different environments. The plant’s distribution in these areas highlights its resilience and its preference for the specific climatic conditions found there.
Characterized by its unique seed structure, Vicia disperma earns its common name from the characteristic two seeds per pod, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other vetch species. This trait is not merely a botanical curiosity but also an adaptation that has implications for the plant’s reproduction and dispersal strategies.
As a member of the Fabaceae family, Two-seed vetch shares common traits with other legumes, including its potential role in nitrogen fixation. This ability can enrich the soil, making it an ecologically valuable plant in its native habitats. The presence of this species in Mediterranean regions suggests its integration into the intricate web of local ecosystems, where it likely plays a role in supporting soil health and providing resources for various insects and animals.
Though Two-seed vetch may not be at the forefront of horticultural fame, its enduring presence and ecological roles underscore its importance within the botanical world and natural landscapes of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean.
Common Names
Eng: european vetch, two-seed vetch
Cat: vicia disperma
Swe: mesvicker
En: Two-seed vetch, European vetch, Two-seeded Vetch
Ca: Vicia disperma, Vicía disperma
Fr: Vesce à deux graines
It: Veccia a 2 semi, Veccia
Sv: Mesvicker
Synonyms
- Cracca disperma ((DC.) Gren. & Godr.)
- Vicia disperma var. sericea (Batt.)
- Vicia disperma var. suberviformis ((Maire) Raynaud)
- Vicia disperma var. subuniflora (Pau)
- Cracca corsica (Gren. & Godr.)
- Vicia suberviformis (Maire)
- Ervum corsicum ((Gren. & Godr.) Nyman)
- Vicia disperma var. corsica ((Godr.) Rouy)
- Vicia disperma var. dubia (Rouy)
- Vicia disperma var. approximata ((Gremli) P.Fourn.)
- Ervum suberviforme ((Maire) Stank.)
- Vicia corsica ((Gren. & Godr.) Janka)
- Ervum parviflorum (Bertol.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina South (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Uruguay (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 23, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 18, 2020 by Patrick Berthon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2022 by marlito (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2020 by william kurowski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2020 by nath nath (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2020 by sanz adolfo (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Christophe Rollier (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:524700-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2974981)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vicia disperma DC.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 5