Lens

Description

Lens, commonly known as lentils, is a genus of small annual plants that belong to the legume family, Fabaceae. They are widely cultivated for their edible seeds, which are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Lentils have been consumed for thousands of years and are a staple food in many cultures around the world.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Lentils are small, bushy plants that grow up to 40 cm tall. They have compound leaves that are made up of several leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem. The flowers are small, white or pale blue, and are arranged in clusters. The fruits are small, lens-shaped pods that contain one or two seeds.

Care Guide

Water: Lentils require regular watering, especially during the growing season. They prefer moist but well-drained soil.

Fertilization: Lentils do not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the growing season.

Soil: Lentils prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types but do best in sandy loam or clay loam soils.

Sunlight: Lentils require full sun to grow and develop properly.

Hardiness Zones: Lentils can be grown in hardiness zones 3-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common pests that affect lentils include aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Diseases that affect lentils include root rot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose.

Habitat

Lentils are native to the Mediterranean region but are now cultivated worldwide. They prefer temperate climates and can be grown in a range of soil types.

Question and Answer

Q: Can lentils be grown in containers?

A: Yes, lentils can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How long does it take for lentils to mature?

A: Lentils typically mature within 70-110 days after planting.

Q: What is the nutritional value of lentils?

A: Lentils are a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, and essential minerals.

Q: Can lentils be eaten raw?

A: Lentils are not typically eaten raw as they can be difficult to digest. They are most commonly cooked before consumption.

Related Plants

• Faba bean (Vicia faba)
• Pea (Pisum sativum)
• Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
• Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

References

• USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Lens culinaris. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LECU
• Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. (n.d.). Lentil. In Britannica.com. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/plant/lentil
• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Lens culinaris. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=3885