Lathyrus japonicus

Lathyrus maritimus

Lathyrus japonicus, commonly known as the sea pea, is a resilient perennial legume native to coastal dunes. Thriving in salty, sandy environments, this hardy plant plays a vital role in stabilizing shorelines. Beyond its ecological importance, it has historically been valued for its edible seeds and traditional medicinal properties.

  • Scientific name: Lathyrus japonicus
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and falls under the genus Lathyrus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Lathyrus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Lathyrus japonicus, is recognized by various regional names depending on the language and locale. In Iceland, it is referred to as Dünemeert (frr), while in Poland, it is called Groszek nadmorski (pl). French speakers identify it as Gesse maritime (fr), and in Russia, it is known as Чина японская (ru). Additionally, in certain contexts, it is referred to by the name Baunagras (is).
Language Common Name Source
is Baunagras Wikidata
pl Groszek nadmorski Wikidata
fr Gesse maritime Wikidata
ru Чина японская Wikidata
frr Dünemeert Wikidata
fi merinätkelmä Wikidata
et rand-seahernes Wikidata
de Strand-Platterbse Wikidata
ja ハマエンドウ Wikidata
az Yapon gülülcəsi Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the territories of Denmark and Finland. Its presence is also documented in the coastal areas of Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Additionally, the species is located throughout Great Britain. Together, these locations define its primary geographical range in the northern reaches of the continent.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Lathyrus japonicus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lathyrus saponin, azukisaponin II, azukisaponin V.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Lathyrus saponin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
azukisaponin II 1 ★☆☆☆☆
azukisaponin V 1 ★☆☆☆☆