Vicia palaestina (Palestinian Pea)

Classification and Distribution

Vicia palaestina, also known as the Palestinian pea or Kersenna (Kernesium persicum), is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, including Greece, the Aegean Islands, Turkey, Cyprus, the Levant, Sinai, and Iraq.

Botanical Description

Vicia palaestina is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the genus Borage (Boraginaceae) in some classifications. However, it is more accurately classified as a member of the Fabaceae family. Its botanical description matches that of other Vicia species, with characteristics typical of vetches.

Habitat and Cultivation

The native habitat of this plant species is the Levant region, where it is widely cultivated as a leafy vegetable crop. It has also been found in Turkey and is considered to be a part of the regional flora.

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Vicia palaestina has medicinal properties that include diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects. Its juice is used to treat various conditions, including dog bites, snake bites, and human bites. Boiling borage with garlic and honey can be used to clean wounds and break down abscesses.

References

* Plant Life in the Arab World
* Legumes
* Borage
* Leafy Vegetable Crops
* Plants of Syria
* Plants of Palestine
* Plants of Cyprus
* Plants of Lebanon
* Plants described in 1849
* Flora of Greece
* Flora of the East Aegean Islands
* Flora of Turkey
* Flora of Cyprus
* Flora of Lebanon
* Flora of Syria
* Flora of Palestine (region)
* Flora of Sinai
* Flora of Iraq