Vicia faba minuta - (hort. ex Alef.)Mansf.
(hort. ex Alef.)Mansf.
Tick Bean
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Vicia faba minuta is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten before it is fully ripe in the same way as broad beans, the fully ripe seed requires overnight soaking to soften it before it is cooked. Leaves - cooked. Used like spinach.
Known Hazards
Although often used as an edible seed, there is a report that eating the seed of this plant can cause the disease 'Favism' in susceptible people. Favism only occurs in cases of excessive consumption of the seed (no more details are given) and when the person is genetically inclined towards the disease.
Distribution
Long cultivated for its seed, the original habitat is obscure.
Where It Grows
(Vicia faba) Afghanistan, Iran.
Cultivation
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. Sometimes cultivated for its edible seed, though more commonly as a green manure crop. Tick beans are not as winter-hardy as other forms of this species and so are best sown in the spring. The autumn sown varieties are more susceptible to 'chocolate spot' fungus (which can be remedied by the addition of potash to the soil) but are more likely to escape damage from aphis. 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.
Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in spring or autumn.
Other Uses
Fibre Green manure Soap makingA good green manure crop, it is best sown in the spring. Relatively fast growing, producing a good bulk and fixing nitrogen. The upright growth is not a very good weed suppresser though. A fibre is obtained from the stems. The burnt stems are rich in potassium and can be used in making soap.
