Lathyrus latifolius is a flowering plant belonging to the pea family. The spelling of the scientific name follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) guidelines. "Lathyrus" is pronounced as /ˈlæθɪrəs/ and "latifolius" as /lætɪˈfoʊliəs/. The correct spelling helps to avoid confusion among scientists and researchers who study plants. This species of the Lathyrus plant is also known by the common names of wild sweet pea or perennial pea due to its attractive flowers and long blooming season.
Lathyrus latifolius, commonly known as perennial pea or everlasting pea, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to a wide range of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and hillsides, across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Perennial pea is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 2 meters in height. It has a climbing or sprawling growth habit, with slender and twining stems that are covered in pinnate leaves composed of multiple leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to elliptical in shape, with a dark green color and a smooth texture.
The flowers of Lathyrus latifolius are one of its most distinguishing features. They are papilionaceous, meaning they have a characteristic butterfly-like shape, with vibrant colors ranging from pink and white to deep purple and red. The flowers are clustered in dense racemes and bloom from early summer to late autumn, attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The plant produces flat pods containing several round or oval seeds, which are dispersed when the pods naturally open. Lathyrus latifolius is known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and is often used for erosion control, as a ground cover, or for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes.
However, it is important to note that Lathyrus latifolius is not suitable for consumption by humans or animals, as its seeds contain toxic compounds that can cause lathyrism—a neurological disorder when consumed in large quantities.
The word Lathyrus has its roots in Greek. It comes from the Greek word lathyrós, which means vetch or pea. Latifolius is a Latin term comprising two words - latus, meaning broad, and folium, meaning leaf. So, Lathyrus Latifolius can be loosely translated as broad leaf vetch or pea with broad leaves.