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Description
Lathyrus Tingitanus, commonly known as Tangier Pea or Moroccan Vetchling, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This plant is renowned for its vibrant and colorful flowers, which come in shades of pink, purple, and red. It typically grows up to 40cm in height and spreads up to 30cm. Lathyrus Tingitanus is a great addition to gardens and patios, as it adds a pop of color and texture to any landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
Lathyrus Tingitanus has a unique and attractive appearance, with its delicate foliage and brightly colored flowers. The leaves are pinnate and consist of 2-5 pairs of leaflets that are ovate and slightly hairy. The flowers are clustered at the top of the stem and can be pink, purple, or red, with a white center. They have a distinct butterfly-like shape and measure up to 2cm in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a pod that contains several seeds. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and may bloom again in the fall.
Care Guide
Lathyrus Tingitanus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.Soil: Lathyrus Tingitanus prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in both sandy and loamy soils.Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom.Hardiness Zones: Lathyrus Tingitanus is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lathyrus Tingitanus is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues:Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.Mildew: Powdery mildew can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn white and powdery. Remove affected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Lathyrus Tingitanus is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky and sandy soils. It can be found in meadows, fields, and open woodlands. This plant is well-suited to dry and arid climates, as it is drought-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lathyrus Tingitanus toxic?
A: Yes, this plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause paralysis and other health issues if ingested. Keep it away from children and pets.Q: Can Lathyrus Tingitanus grow in containers?
A: Yes, this plant is well-suited to container gardening. Make sure the container has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should I fertilize Lathyrus Tingitanus?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.Q: Does Lathyrus Tingitanus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant is a favorite of bees and butterflies and can help attract pollinators to your garden.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Lathyrus genus:
- Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea)
- Lathyrus sativus (Grass Pea)
- Lathyrus japonicus (Beach Pea)
References
- “Lathyrus Tingitanus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279321&isprofile=0&
- “Lathyrus Tingitanus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/64813/Lathyrus-tingitanus/Details
- “Lathyrus Tingitanus.” Plants for a Future. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lathyrus+tingitanus
