Status:
valid
Authors:
(Boiss. & Kotschy) Celak.
Source:
tro
Year:
1888
Citation Micro:
Oesterr. Bot. Z.38: 46 (1888)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001056247
Common Names
- Lathyrus variabilis
- Variable Vetch
- Variable Pea
Description
Lathyrus variabilis (also called Variable vetchling, among many other common names) is a perennial, twining vine native to the southeastern United States. It has trifoliate leaves and small, white flowers. It is found in moist woods, thickets, and along stream banks.
Uses & Benefits
Lathyrus variabilis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, as a hedge plant, and as a windbreak. It also has medicinal uses, such as treating fever, malaria, and other diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Lathyrus variabilis has small, white flowers with five petals, and its seeds are brown and round in shape. The seedlings are slender and have a white root system.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lathyrus variabilis can be propagated by seed. Sow the seed in the spring or early summer 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. Division in spring or autumn is also possible. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Where to Find Lathyrus variabilis
Lathyrus variabilis is native to the Mediterranean region. It can be found in the wild in Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, and France.
Species in the Lathyrus genus
Lathyrus aureus,
Lathyrus gmelinii,
Lathyrus transsilvanicus,
Lathyrus berteroanus,
Lathyrus brachycalyx,
Lathyrus cabreranus,
Lathyrus campestris,
Lathyrus graminifolius,
Lathyrus hasslerianus,
Lathyrus holochlorus,
Lathyrus jepsonii,
Lathyrus lomanus,
Lathyrus nevadensis,
Lathyrus nigrivalvis,
Lathyrus paraguariensis,
Lathyrus paranensis,
Lathyrus parodii,
Lathyrus pauciflorus,
Lathyrus rigidus,
Lathyrus tropicalandinus,
Lathyrus eucosmus,
Lathyrus lanszwertii,
Lathyrus linearifolius,
Lathyrus littoralis,
Lathyrus macropus,
Lathyrus macrostachys,
Lathyrus multiceps,
Lathyrus nervosus,
Lathyrus nitens,
Lathyrus ochroleucus,
Lathyrus polyphyllus,
Lathyrus pubescens,
Lathyrus pusillus,
Lathyrus splendens,
Lathyrus subandinus,
Lathyrus subulatus,
Lathyrus sulphureus,
Lathyrus torreyi,
Lathyrus venosus,
Lathyrus vestitus,
Lathyrus biflorus,
Lathyrus acutifolius,
Lathyrus cicera,
Lathyrus sericeus,
Lathyrus whitei,
Lathyrus hookeri,
Lathyrus magellanicus,
Lathyrus blepharicarpus,
Lathyrus blepharicarpos,
Lathyrus gorgoni,
Species in the Fabaceae family