Vicia tetrasperma explained

Vicia tetrasperma (syn. Ervum tetraspermum)[1] the smooth tare, smooth vetch, lentil vetch or sparrow vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae.

Description

Vicia tetrasperma is an annual plant growing up to 60cm (20inches) tall. The leaflets are 10to and are in four to six pairs, the leaf ending with a simple tendril. The pale blue flowers are in racemes of one or two flowers, each about 4mm long. Four seeds are produced in a pod 12to long.[2] The pod is dehiscent.

Distribution

This vetch is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and it can be found on other continents as an introduced species. It can be invasive.[3]

Habitat

Grassy places, local.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Clive Stace, New Flora of the British Isles, 4th edition 2019, p 171
  2. Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. 1968. Excursion Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press.
  3. Web site: Vicia tetrasperma (Four-seeded vetch): Go Botany.