Herb: Cyprus Vetch


Latin name: Lathyrus ochrus


Family: Leguminosae



Edible parts of Cyprus Vetch:

Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. This plant is an annual, an edible root has not as yet been noticed.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
March
to June

Habitat of the herb:

Cornfields and dry places.

Propagation of Cyprus Vetch:

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Cornfields and dry places.

Medicinal use of Cyprus Vetch:

None known

Known hazards of Lathyrus ochrus:

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious). Great caution is advised.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.