Status:
valid
Authors:
Kupicha
Source:
ildis
Year:
1983
Citation Micro:
Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh41: 226 (1983)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000180021
Common Names
- White Vetch
- White Pea
- White Lathyrus
Synonyms
- Lathyrus longipes T.G.White [illegitimate]
Description
Lathyrus whitei (also called 'White's lathyrus', among many other common names) is an annual plant native to South America. It has a woody stem and small, trifoliate leaves. It is found in dry, open areas, such as grasslands, savannas, and scrublands.
Uses & Benefits
Lathyrus whitei is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for livestock. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and stomach pain.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Lathyrus whitei has small white flowers with five petals and a long calyx. Its seeds are small, black and glossy. The seedlings have two to three pairs of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lathyrus whitei is a perennial shrub that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a sandy soil mix. Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer or early autumn and planted in a well-drained soil mix.
Where to Find Lathyrus whitei
Lathyrus whitei can be found in the United States, primarily in the Rocky Mountain region.
Lathyrus whitei FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Lathyrus whitei?
Lathyrus whitei is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Indian Ocean Islands.
What are the common uses of Lathyrus whitei?
Lathyrus whitei is used for medicinal purposes, as a food source, and as a source of fiber.
What is the growth rate of Lathyrus whitei?
Lathyrus whitei has a moderate growth rate.
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