Vicia ervilia
Vicia ervilia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vicia ervilia, commonly known as the bite-sized lentil or imperial vetch, is a resilient legume valued for its nutritional density. This plant serves as a significant source of protein and essential nutrients within various agricultural systems. Often utilized in livestock diets, the raw legume can be processed into different dietary preparations. When consumed as raw legumes, they provide a concentrated burst of plant-based energy. Understanding the diverse uses of this species is essential for appreciating its role in sustainable food production.
- Synonyms
- Ervum Ervilia · Ervilia Sativa · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Vicia ervilia is a versatile plant known by several different names across various cultures and languages. It is most commonly referred to as Bitter Vetch, a name that highlights its distinct characteristics. Depending on the region, it may also be called Erve or Ervil. In certain European contexts, you might encounter the German name Linsen-Wicke. Additionally, it is identified as Francuzskaja čečevica in specific linguistic traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vicia ervilia is a botanical species that has been classified under several different scientific names throughout history. Due to varying taxonomic interpretations, it is widely recognized by the synonyms Ervilia sativa and Ervum ervilia. Researchers have also identified the plant within the historical nomenclature of Ervum plicatum and Lens pygmaea. Furthermore, the species is linked to the name Rhynchium plicatum in various botanical records. Understanding these diverse synonyms is essential for accurately tracking the plant's identity across different scientific studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vicia ervilia is a notable species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Fabales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It specifically falls under the family Fabaceae, a group known for its diverse legumes. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the genus Vicia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vicia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vicia ervilia exhibits a wide geographical range across the African continent, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse environments. This species can be found throughout Northern Africa, specifically inhabiting the regions of Algeria and Egypt. Its presence extends into East Tropical Africa, where it is documented within the landscapes of Kenya. Furthermore, the plant reaches the Atlantic islands, establishing itself within the Macaronesia region. Specifically, its distribution includes the Canary Islands and the island of Madeira, marking a significant maritime presence.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Vicia ervilia is a distinctive herbaceous plant characterized by its specialized growth patterns. As an obligatory climber, it relies on external structures to support its upward movement. This species maintains a relatively modest stature, typically reaching a maximum height of 0.6 meters. Depending on environmental conditions, individual plants may vary in size, starting as low as 0.2 meters. However, many specimens tend to establish a more robust presence with a minimum height of approximately 0.41 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Vicia ervilia impacts the physiological development of chickens by causing an impairment in the rate of growth. This legume also affects nutritional metrics by negatively impacting food efficiency in the subjects. Regarding muscle composition, the plant leads to a decrease in the sarcoplasmic nitrogenous fraction and a corresponding increase in the non-protein nitrogenous fraction. Furthermore, consumption of the plant results in increased oxygen consumption by intestinal rings. These combined effects demonstrate the significant metabolic influence that Vicia ervilia has on growing poultry.
Preparations
Vicia ervilia is prepared as raw legume Vicia ervilia to serve as a primary protein source in nutritional studies. This plant is also utilized as raw legumes within experimental diets for various animal models. In rats, the consumption of this raw legume was shown to significantly reduce growth and protein efficiency compared to control diets. Similarly, feeding raw legumes like Vicia ervilia to growing chickens resulted in an impairment of growth rates and intestinal absorption. These studies specifically investigate the physiological impacts of using the plant in its unprepared, raw form.