Lathyrus niger, also known as black peas or black vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae. The spelling of "Lathyrus Niger" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /ˈlæθərəs ˈnaɪdʒɛr/. The first syllable is pronounced with the "a" sound in "cat" followed by the "th" sound. The second word is pronounced with a long "i" sound and the "dʒ" sound as in "judge". The term "niger" comes from Latin meaning "black".
Lathyrus niger, commonly known as the black pea, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
The black pea plant typically grows up to one meter in height and has a climbing or trailing habit. The leaves are alternate and compound, composed of two leaflets and a tendril. The tendrils help the plant to climb and support itself on other vegetation or structures. The flowers of Lathyrus niger are dark purple or black in color, and they bloom from spring to early summer. Each flower is about 2 centimeters in diameter and has five petals. The plant produces leguminous fruit pods that contain the seeds in clusters.
Lathyrus niger is mainly grown for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers. The dark purple or black flowers add a unique and eye-catching element to gardens, borders, or containers. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring regular watering and occasional pruning to promote healthy growth and prevent overgrowth.
Although Lathyrus niger is primarily cultivated for its aesthetic qualities, its seeds have been historically used in traditional medicine. However, it is important to note that certain species within the Lathyrus genus can contain toxic compounds, so it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional advice before consuming or using any parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
The word Lathyrus originates from the Greek word lathyros which refers to the pea plant. Niger is a Latin word meaning black. Therefore, Lathyrus Niger translates to Black Pea.