Vicia ervilia
Bitter vetch
Vicia ervilia, commonly known as bambara vetch, is a resilient, nitrogen-fixing legume valued for its nutritional and ecological benefits. Primarily used as high-protein forage for livestock, this hardy plant thrives in arid Mediterranean climates. It plays a vital role in soil enrichment and sustainable agriculture through efficient nutrient cycling.
- Scientific name: Vicia ervilia
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Vicia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vicia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Vicia ervilia, is recognized by various regional common names across different languages and cultures. In Arabic, it is referred to as کزن (ku-arab) or Kizin (ku-latn), while in Persian, it is called گاودانه (fa). In Poland, the species is known as Wyka soczewicowata (pl), and in Azerbaijan, it is identified as Kürüşnə (az).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ku-arab | کزن | Wikidata |
| ku-latn | Kizin | Wikidata |
| pl | Wyka soczewicowata | Wikidata |
| fa | گاودانه | Wikidata |
| az | Kürüşnə | Wikidata |
| ca | erb | Wikidata |
| hsb | Sočna woka | Wikidata |
| ar | بيقية مرة | Wikidata |
| da | Perlevikke | Wikidata |
| ku | Kizin | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be observed within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found across the landscape of Germany. The species also inhabits the territories of Austria and Switzerland. Finally, its range extends through the regions of Czechia and Slovakia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Vicia ervilia, is primarily valued for its nutritional and medicinal potential, with its most significant component being the raw legume. These small, protein-rich seeds are harvested from the pods and serve as the central part of the plant used in various applications. While the entire herb may contribute to the plant's overall biological profile, the raw legume remains the most vital element for those seeking to utilize its specific dietary and therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| raw legume | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Vicia ervilia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include D-galactose.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| D-galactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |