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Lotus tetragonolobus - L.

Common Name Asparagus Pea, Winged pea
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Cultivated ground and vineyards.
Range Europe - Mediterranean.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Lotus tetragonolobus Asparagus Pea, Winged pea


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Magnus_Manske
Lotus tetragonolobus Asparagus Pea, Winged pea
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Magnus_Manske

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Lotus tetragonolobus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Tetragonolobus purpurea. Moench.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed  Seedpod
Edible Uses: Coffee

Young seedpods - raw or cooked[16, 27, 33]. Added to salads, cooked as a vegetable or added to soups, stews etc[183]. The taste is said to resemble asparagus[183]. Only the very young pods, when less than 25mm long, should be used, since the older pods quickly turn fibrous[183]. Considered by many to be a gourmet food, though it is not a very high yielding crop[K]. Seed - cooked. Used like peas[105, 177, 183]. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[27, 183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1], preferring a rich light well-drained soil in a sunny position[33]. Occasionally cultivated for its edible young seedpods and also as an ornamental plant[16, 33]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in the spring[33]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 15°c. If seed is in short supply, it can be sown in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring or early summer[33].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

50200

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