Lathyrus davidii -

Family:	Leguminosae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Japan, Manchuria.

Lathyrus davidii () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
Lathyrus davidii will flower in January to February. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Lathyrus davidii will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Lathyrus davidii prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Lathyrus davidii can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Woods and thickets all over Japan[58].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil but preferring a position in full sun[200]. 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].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Seed - cooked[105, 177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpod - cooked[105, 177]. Young plant, including the inflorescence - cooked and used as a potherb or added to soups etc[105, 177, 183].

• Flowers -
• Leaves -
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
• Seedpod - things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring[200]. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken[200].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious)[65, 76]. Great caution is advised.

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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