Laughing Owl Specialist Seeds

Lathyrus nervosus

lathyrus nervosus

Introduction

Many authors claim that Lathyrus nervosus and Lathyrus magellanicus are synonyms for the same plant. In fact, although they are both blue flowered perennial species from South America, they are quite distinct in both foliage and flower.

Distribution

Lathyrus nervosus occurs over a wide geographical range in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and into eastern Brazil. Consequently there is significant variation in the growth habit, hardiness and other characteristics of plants from different areas. These differences appear to persist in cultivated plants.

Cultivation

Lathyrus nervosus is generally regarded as a short lived perennial, but can live for many years where the conditions suit it. It dislikes excessive winter wet and should be given a situation with good drainage. In the UK it thrives in a cold glasshouse, but can be more temperamental outdoors. Although L. nervosus can be bullied into climbing, the tendrils show little inclination to grasp available supports, and the plant is at its best sprawling over a bank. The foliage is very attractive but prone to powdery mildew, and the plant is very impressive in full flower.

The small seeds have a hard seedcoat, and germinate more quickly if the seedcoat is nicked with a small file prior to sowing. If sown with heat in January or February the plants will flower in their first year, but are better sown in summer when the plants will flower the following year. The seed pod, or legume, is black when ripe, and strongly dehiscent.

Summary

Price:

£ 2,400.00 per kg
£ 250.00 per 100g
£ 30.00 per 10g

Fresh seed available Autumn 2022

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