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Description
Lathyrus Pisiformis, commonly known as the “pea-like everlasting,” is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is a native of Europe, but it is now cultivated in North America and some parts of Asia. It is a perennial plant that blooms from May to September, producing beautiful pink or purplish flowers that are arranged in clusters. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a spreading habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
The Lathyrus Pisiformis plant has a fine texture with slender stems and small leaves that are oval in shape. The leaves are grey-green in color and grow up to 4 cm long. The flowers of this plant are pink or purplish, and they are about 1 cm long, arranged in clusters of 2-4 flowers. The plant produces a small, round pod that contains seeds.
Care Guide
To ensure the healthy growth of Lathyrus Pisiformis, it is important to follow the proper care guide. Here are some tips:
Water
Water the plant regularly, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as this can cause the leaves to get wet and develop diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil once a month during the growing season to ensure proper growth and development.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
Sunlight
Plant Lathyrus Pisiformis in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as profusely.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lathyrus Pisiformis is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some common problems such as:
Aphids
Aphids can affect the growth of the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to develop yellow or brown spots. It can be controlled by removing the infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Habitat
Lathyrus Pisiformis is commonly found in dry, sunny habitats such as meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. It can also grow in disturbed areas like roadsides and waste places. The plant is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lathyrus Pisiformis poisonous?
A: No, Lathyrus Pisiformis is not poisonous.
Q: How long does it take for Lathyrus Pisiformis to flower?
A: Lathyrus Pisiformis blooms from May to September, so it takes about 4-5 months to flower.
Q: Can Lathyrus Pisiformis grow in containers?
A: Yes, Lathyrus Pisiformis can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: How do I propagate Lathyrus Pisiformis?
A: Lathyrus Pisiformis can be propagated by seed or by division. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in early spring. To propagate by division, divide the plant in early spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Lathyrus odoratus
- Lathyrus latifolius
- Lathyrus vernus
- Lathyrus tuberosus
References
- “Lathyrus pisiformis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280567&isprofile=0&.
- “Lathyrus Pisiformis (Pea-like Everlasting).” Gardenia.net. www.gardenia.net/plant/lathyrus-pisiformis.
- “Lathyrus Pisiformis (Pea-like Everlasting).” Plant Lust. www.plantlust.com/plants/lathyrus-pisiformis/.
