Spring Vetch (Vicia latyroides)

Description

Spring Vetch, also known as Alpine Pea or Wire Vig, is a type of annual herb that belongs to the genus Pisum in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is characterized by its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through rhizobia bacteria.

Botanical Description

The Spring Vetch plant grows up to 20-50 cm in height. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, with upper leaves being 8-15 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, while lower leaves are egg-shaped, 3-5 mm wide. The flowers are dark purple.

Habitat and Distribution

Spring Vetch is found in a wide range of regions, including:

* North Africa: Algeria, Morocco
* Western Asia: Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey
* Europe: all countries except Iceland; naturally occurring in some parts of the world
* Caucasus region: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

In Ukraine, it is commonly found on dry open slopes, in bushes and apple forests, particularly in the regions of Stapu and Mountain Crimea.

Seeding

Spring Vetch seeds are 2 mm in diameter. The plant is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, with a natural occurrence in some other parts of the world.

Classification

The Spring Vetch was first described by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753.

Gallery

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Notes

* Irrigation: not specified
* Ukraine Flora: naturally occurring in Ukraine
* Europe Fleet: widely distributed across Europe
* North Africa Flora: found in North Africa
* Asia Flora: found in Western Asia
* Plants described in 1753: classified by Carolus Linnaeus