Yellow vetchling (Lathyrus aphaca, Sp. Pl.: 729 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 729 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lathyrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to C. Asia and Indian Subcontinent

Description

Yellow vetchling, known scientifically as Lathyrus aphaca, is a memorable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Described and cataloged in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has piqued the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

This annual herbaceous plant is native to a wide geographical range, including Macaronesia, the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. Its adaptability to diverse climates and soils makes Lathyrus aphaca a resilient species, thriving in various environmental conditions from the temperate zones of the Mediterranean to the subtropical climates of South Asia.

The yellow vetchling stands out for its delicate, creeping stems which can stretch along the ground or support themselves by wrapping around other plants. The bright yellow flowers, typically small and delicate, are a key identifying feature, bringing a splash of color to meadows, fields, and roadsides during its blooming season. Each blossom is accompanied by tendrils, which the plant utilizes to anchor itself to surrounding vegetation, aiding its growth and stability.

Lathyrus aphaca plays a role in the ecosystem beyond just its aesthetic contributions. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it is involved in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and supporting the growth of surrounding plants. This process is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Despite its beauty and ecological benefits, the plant should be approached with caution. Certain species within the genus Lathyrus are known for their toxic properties if consumed in large quantities, leading to conditions such as lathyrism. Therefore, while Lathyrus aphaca adds beauty and biological value to its natural habitat, its interaction with both humans and animals should be monitored with care.

Overall, the yellow vetchling, or Lathyrus aphaca, remains an intriguing subject for both botanical study and ecological appreciation, seamlessly blending visual appeal with environmental significance across its a considerable native range.

Common Names

Dan: bladløs fladbælg
Deu: ranken-platterbse, rankenplatterbse, ranken platterbse
Eng: yellow pea, yellow vetchling, yellow vetch, yellow peavine
Spa: afaca, alverja silvestre
Cat: gerdell
Fra: gesse aphylle, gesse sans feuilles
Ces: hrachor bezlistý, hrachor pa
Nld: naakte lathyrus
Swe: spjutvial, pjutvial
Lav: vītņu dedestiņa
Por: chícharo-amarelo, ervilha-olho-de-boneca
Cym: ydbysen felen, ytbys melyn, ytbysen felen
En: Yellow vetchling, Yellow pea, Yellow Vetch, Yellow peavine, Yellow-flowered Pea
Ar: حمام البرج(حَمام البُرج)، برج الحمام(بُرج الحَمام), دحريج (دُحريج)، جلبان (جِلبان، جُلُبان)
Ca: Gerdell
Cs: Hrachor bezlistý, Hrachor pa
Da: Bladløs fladbælg
Nl: Naakte lathyrus
Fr: Gesse sans feuilles, Gesse aphylle, Gesse aphaca, Pois-de-serpent
De: Rankenplatterbse, Ranken-Platterbse, Ranken Platterbse, Nackte Platterbse
He: טופח מצוי
It: Afaga, Cicerchia bastarda, Fior-galletto, Majorella, Mullaghera
Lv: Vītņu dedestiņa
Pt: Chícharo-amarelo, Ervilha-olho-de-boneca, Ervilhaca-olho-de-boneca
Pt-br: Chícharo-amarelo, Ervilha-olho-de-boneca
Es: Alverja silvestre, Afaca
Sv: Spjutvial, Pjutvial
Cy: Ydbysen Felen, Ytbys Melyn, Ytbysen Felen

Synonyms

• Lathyrus aphyllus (Gray)
• Lathyrus segetum (Lam.)
• Lathyrus filipetiolatus (St.-Lag.)
• Lathyrus aphaca var. affinis ((Guss.) Arcang.)
• Lathyrus floribundus (Velen.)
• Lathyrus pseudoaphaca (Boiss.)
• Lathyrus aphaca subsp. cyprius (Chrtek & B.Slavík)
• Lathyrus affinis (Guss.)
• Aphaca marmorata (Alef.)
• Aphaca vulgaris var. micrantha (Alef.)
• Aphaca disperma (Alef.)
• Aphaca vulgaris (C.Presl)
• Aphaca pseudophaca ((Boiss.) Alef.)
• Pisum aphaca ((L.) Brot.)
• Lathyrus polyanthus (Boiss. & C.I.Blanche)
• Lathyrus aphaca var. modestus (Davis)
• Lathyrus aphaca var. stipularis (Rouy)
• Vicia exstipulata (S.G.Gmel.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Assam (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East Himalaya (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)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Amsterdam-St.Paul Is (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Julien Halska (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Palmieri Nicola (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jacques MARÉCHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 31, 2019 by Ellie MacConnachie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by pascal porquier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Medicine_Man Franco (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 4, 2021 by Cécile Fukari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2021 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by pascal porquier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Luís Santos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Luís Santos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Medicine_Man Franco (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 15, 2012 by Rossen Vassilev (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by emilie Bernard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Claude Bleton (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2022 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 18, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Laurent PETIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Palmieri Nicola (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Laurent DABURON (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356649)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501579-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathyrus aphaca L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6