Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
cretica
ID:
214718

Status:
valid

Authors:
Boiss. & Heldr.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1849

Citation Micro:
P.E.Boissier, Diagn. Pl. Orient.9: 118 (1849)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000214047



Common Names

  • Vicia cretica
  • Cretan Vetch
  • Cretan Tuft Vetch


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Description

Vicia cretica (also called Cretan vetch, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and is found in dry grasslands and open areas. It has a branched stem, reaching up to 40 cm in height, and pinnate leaves with three leaflets. The flowers are purple and the fruits are small pods.

Uses & Benefits

Vicia cretica is used as a forage crop and as a soil improver due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. It is also used for erosion control, as a cover crop, and as a bee forage crop.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Vicia cretica sub. cretica
Vicia cretica sub. aegaea (Halácsy) P.W.Ball

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Vicia cretica has small, yellow flowers, each with 10-15 stamens. The seeds are small, dark brown, and have a rough, pitted surface. The seedlings are small, with two small, oval-shaped cotyledons and two small, pointed leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Vicia cretica is an annual or biennial plant that can be propagated by seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate poor soils. It can be grown in containers.

Where to Find Vicia cretica

Vicia cretica can be found in the Mediterranean region, including parts of Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Vicia cretica FAQ

What is the scientific name of Vicia cretica?

Vicia cretica

What is the common name of Vicia cretica?

Cretan Vetch

What is the family of Vicia cretica?

Fabaceae

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

References

Edmond Boissier (1810-1885): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Boiss.' in the authors string.
Theodor von Heldreich (1822-1902): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Heldr.' in the authors string.