Herb latin name: Lathyrus quinquenervius


Family: Leguminosae



Edible parts of Lathyrus quinquenervius:

Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves and young stems - cooked.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Wet grassy places and thickets by rivers in lowland C. and S. Japan.

Propagation of Lathyrus quinquenervius:

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. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.

Cultivation of the herb:

Wet grassy places and thickets by rivers in lowland C. and S. Japan.

Medicinal use of Lathyrus quinquenervius:

None known

Known hazards of Lathyrus quinquenervius:

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.