Vicia tetrasperma

(L.) Schreb.

Smooth tare, Four-leaved slender vetch, Slender tare

Fabaceae Edible: Leaves 6,423 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Vicia tetrasperma (syn. Ervum tetraspermum) the smooth tare, smooth vetch, lentil vetch or sparrow vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae.

Description

A slender scrambling annual herb. The leaves have 3-6 pairs of leaflets. They are usually alternate. They are narrowly oblong and 5-20 mm long by 1-3 mm wide. They have a very small sharp tip. The stalk of the leaf has a tendril at the end. There are 1 or 2 flowers in a group. The flower stalks are 2-4 cm long. The petals are pale blue and there is a purple spot on the keel. The pods are oblong and 10-15 mm long by 3.5 mm wide. There are usually 4 seeds. The pods are smooth and light brown. The seeds are almost round and 2 mm across. The seeds are brown.

Edible Uses

Young leaves and shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The plant also serves as a coffee substitute, with the roasted seeds almost certainly being the part used for this purpose.

Traditional Uses

The young leaves and shoots are eaten. They are also used as a coffee substitute.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In China it grows from sea level to 2,900 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Africa, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, Central Asia, China, Europe, France, Himalayas, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, Norfolk Island, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Uzbekistan,

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Other Uses

Fixes atmospheric nitrogen.

Notes

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

Synonyms

Ervum tetraspermum L.

Also Known As

Kasuma-gusa

References (8)

Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 89
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 112
Flora of Australia Volume 49, Oceanic Islands 1, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. (1994) p 189
Hyde-Wyatt, B.H. & Morris D.I., 1975, Tasmanian Weed Handbook. Dept of Ag Tasmania. p 102
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 8 references