Lathyrus odoratus

Sweet pea

Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as the Sweet Pea, is celebrated more for its enchanting fragrance and vibrant blooms than its medicinal properties. Historically, various parts were used in traditional remedies to treat ailments like inflammation or skin irritations, though it remains primarily cherished as a stunning ornamental garden flower.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further categorized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its 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, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In English, it is widely known as the sweet pea, while in French, it is referred to as pois de senteur. Moving to Eastern Europe, the plant is called groszek pachnący in Polish and душистый горошек in Russian. Finally, in Finland, it is known by the name tuoksunätkelmä.
Language Common Name Source
pl Groszek pachnący Wikidata
ru Душистый горошек Wikidata
fr Pois de senteur Wikidata
en sweet pea Wikidata
fi tuoksunätkelmä Wikidata
de Duftende Platterbse Wikidata
ja スイートピー Wikidata
io Latiro Wikidata
az Ətirli güllücə Wikidata
lt Kvapusis pelėžirnis Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is well-documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving into Middle Europe, the species can be found growing within the borders of Germany. It also inhabits the central territories of Austria. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant extends through the Czechia-Slovakia region.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Eastern Europe Baltic States WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Lathyrus odoratus, is primarily cultivated for its ornamental flowers, but its botanical structure includes distinct reproductive components such as the seeds and the individual seed. The seeds are contained within developing pods, which emerge after the flowering stage is complete. While the plant is most famous for its sweet-scented blooms, the development and maturity of each seed are essential parts of its natural life cycle and reproductive process.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 3 ★★☆☆☆
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Lathyrus odoratus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)-isoxazolin-5-one, anthocyanidins, lectin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)-isoxazolin-5-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanidins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lectin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Lathyrus odoratus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Neurotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Neurotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lathyrus odoratus has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include ataxia, lathyrism, mortality.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
ataxia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lathyrism 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mortality 1 ★☆☆☆☆