Additional notes (click to expand)

Toxicity

The seeds of several Lathyrus species are toxic, and when eaten cause a condition called lathyrism. The chemical diaminoproprionic acid in the seeds causes paralysis, spinal cord damage, aortic aneurysm, due to poisoning of mitochondria causing cell death. Occurs where food crops are contaminated by Lathyrus plants or where it is eaten as a 'famine food' when no other food is available. It is the Orobus sylvaticus purpureus vernus of Bauhin (1671) and Orobus sylvaticus angustifolius of Parkinson (1640) - who records that country folk had no uses for it.
Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. link

Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupari'

Family: FABACEAE
Genus: Lathyrus
Species: odoratus
Cultivar: 'Cupari'
Common names: Sweet pea
Distribution summary: Garden origin
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: H3 - Half hardy; unheated greenhouse/mild winter
Garden status: Not currently grown
Reason for growing: Toxic


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