Vicia heptajuga
Nakai
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Perennial vetch with hermaphroditic, self-fertile flowers pollinated by insects. Nitrogen-fixing legume adaptable to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH and grows in semi-shade to full sun, preferring moist soil.
Description
Perennial vetch with hermaphroditic, self-fertile flowers pollinated by insects. Nitrogen-fixing legume adaptable to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH and grows in semi-shade to full sun, preferring moist soil.
Edible Uses
Young leaves are edible and best eaten cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Korea,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species is not recognised in the International Legume Database. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a fairly heavy loam but succeeds in a sunny position in most soils that are well-drained. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes dry conditions. 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.
Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in situ in spring or autumn.
Other Uses
Functions as a nitrogen fixer.
Notes
There are about 140 Vicia species. They are mostly temperate.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
