Contents
Description
Lathyrus Sativus, commonly known as Grass Pea, is a legume crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a hardy and resilient plant that can grow in poor soil conditions and has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The plant is known for its high protein content, making it an important food source for many people in developing countries. However, it also contains a toxin that can cause a neurological disease called Lathyrism if consumed in large quantities over a long period of time.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||—————|———–|————-|———–|————–|—————-|————–|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Tracheophyta| Magnoliopsida | Fabales | Fabaceae | Lathyrus |
Appearance
Grass Pea is an annual plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has a slender stem with tendrils that can climb other plants or structures for support. The leaves are pinnate with 2-4 pairs of leaflets and a single terminal leaflet. The flowers are purple or white and grow in clusters of 2-6 on long stalks. The pods are about 3-6 cm long and contain 2-8 seeds.
Care Guide
Grass Pea grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It requires full sun and moderate watering. Fertilization is not necessary as the plant can fix nitrogen in the soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Grass Pea is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plants well-watered and remove any infected leaves or plants.
Habitat
Grass Pea is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown in many parts of the world. It is commonly cultivated in India, Ethiopia, and China.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Grass Pea safe to eat?
A: Yes, it is safe to eat in moderation. However, consuming large quantities over a long period of time can cause Lathyrism.
Q: What is Lathyrism?
A: Lathyrism is a neurological disease caused by the consumption of large amounts of Grass Pea over a long period of time. Symptoms include weakness, paralysis, and deformities.
Q: Can Grass Pea grow in poor soil?
A: Yes, Grass Pea is a hardy plant that can grow in poor soil conditions.
Q: What is the protein content of Grass Pea?
A: Grass Pea has a high protein content of around 20-25%.
Related Plants
– Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea)- Pisum sativum (Pea)- Vicia faba (Fava Bean)
References
– “Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) – A neglected grain legume with potential” by J.S. Yadav et al. http://www.fao.org/3/y4534e/y4534e0a.htm- “Lathyrism: A Review” by R. Singh and M. Kumar. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270268/- “Grass Pea: A Neglected Protein Crop” by B. Singh et al. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282524210_Grass_pea_A_neglected_protein_crop.
