Lathyrus sativus

Lathyrus sativus, commonly known as the grass pea, chickling vetch, or Indian pea, is a legume species known for its ability to withstand drought conditions. It is a part of the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans.

Description

The plant is an annual herb, growing to a height of 1.2 meters. It has a slender stem, with leaves that are pinnate and end in tendrils. The flowers are blue, purple, or white, and the seeds are contained in a pod that is 3-5 cm long.

Distribution and Habitat

Lathyrus sativus is native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. It is particularly prevalent in areas with arid climates, such as the Mediterranean region, Ethiopia, and India. The plant is highly resistant to drought and can grow in poor soil conditions, making it a vital crop in regions prone to famine.

Cultivation and Uses

The seeds of Lathyrus sativus are used as a food source in many parts of the world. They are often ground into flour and used to make bread or other food products. However, the plant contains a neurotoxin known as ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid), which can cause a neurological disorder known as lathyrism if consumed in large quantities over a long period.

Despite this risk, the plant's resilience in harsh climates makes it an important food source in areas prone to drought and famine. Efforts have been made to breed varieties of the plant with lower levels of the toxin.

Research

Research into Lathyrus sativus has focused on reducing the levels of ODAP in the plant and understanding the mechanism by which the toxin causes lathyrism. There is also interest in the plant's potential as a sustainable food source in the face of climate change.

See Also

• Lathyrism
• ODAP
• Fabaceae

References

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  Gachas Almorta dish
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  Lathyrus sativus seeds
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  Gracias á la almorta, painting by Francisco de Goya
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  Grasspea pre-breeding at ICARDA