Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 736 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000212730
Common Names
- Vicia benghalensis
- Benghalensis Vicia
- Benghalensis Vetch
Synonyms
- Cracca atropurpurea (Desf.) Gren. & Godr. [deprecated]
- Cracca benghalensis (L.) Medik. [valid]
- Vicia atropurpurea punicea Willk. [unknown]
- Vicia atropurpurea sericea Willk. [unknown]
- Vicia atropurpurea tenella Willk. [unknown]
Description
Vicia benghalensis (also called 'Vetch', among many other common names) is an annual herb with a single stem and a climbing habit. It is native to India and grows in moist, well-drained soils.
Uses & Benefits
Vicia benghalensis is used as a food crop and for animal feed. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Vicia benghalensis sub. heterocalyx (Maire & Weiller) Hormat
Vicia benghalensis sub. benghalensis
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Vicia benghalensis is a purple color with a five-lobed corolla. The seed is a small, flattened, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are thin and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Vicia benghalensis is an annual plant that can be grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought. Propagation is by seed, which should be sown in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Where to Find Vicia benghalensis
Vicia benghalensis can be found in East Africa.
Vicia benghalensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Vicia benghalensis?
Vicia benghalensis
What is the common name of Vicia benghalensis?
Bengal Vetch
Where is Vicia benghalensis found?
It is found in India
Species in the Vicia genus
Vicia hassei,
Vicia lomensis,
Vicia ocalensis,
Vicia setifolia,
Vicia epetiolaris,
Vicia macrograminea,
Vicia pampicola,
Vicia acutifolia,
Vicia americana,
Vicia andicola,
Vicia bijuga,
Vicia caroliniana,
Vicia humilis,
Vicia leucophaea,
Vicia linearifolia,
Vicia magellanica,
Vicia menziesii,
Vicia minutiflora,
Vicia montevidensis,
Vicia nana,
Vicia nigricans,
Vicia pallida,
Vicia pulchella,
Vicia stenophylla,
Vicia vicina,
Vicia peruviana,
Vicia andina,
Vicia sessei,
Vicia tetrasperma,
Vicia graminea,
Vicia balansae,
Vicia michauxii,
Vicia pseudo-orobus,
Vicia hyrcanica,
Vicia amurensis,
Vicia splendens,
Vicia alpestris,
Vicia ciceroidea,
Vicia multijuga,
Vicia megalotropis,
Vicia cassia,
Vicia cypria,
Vicia kalakhensis,
Vicia eristalioides,
Vicia mollis,
Vicia hyaeniscyamus,
Vicia johannis,
Vicia parviflora,
Vicia tenuissima,
Vicia kotschyana,
Species in the Fabaceae family