Vicia articulata

Hornem.

One-flower vetch

Fabaceae Edible: Seeds 13 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

An annual vetch with compact growth to 0.6 m. Self-fertile, hermaphrodite flowers are insect-pollinated. Fixes nitrogen in soil. Adapts to light, medium, and heavy soils with preference for good drainage and mildly acid to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The seeds can be cooked and used in the same way as lentils.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Canary Islands, Europe, Mediterranean,

Cultivation

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best grown in semi-shade. 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. 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. Cultivated in France for its edible seed.

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in situ in spring. An autumn sowing in situ may also succeed.

Other Uses

Can be grown as a green manure crop.

Other Information

It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 140 Vicia species. They are mostly temperate.

Synonyms

V. monanthos. Desv. Cracca monanthos. Lens monantha. Vicia smyrnaea

References (3)

Enum. pl. hort. hafn. rev. ed. 41. 1807
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Zeven, A. C. & de West, J. M. J., 1982, Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity. Wageningen. p 116