Vicia graminea

Vicia graminea, commonly known as bitter vetch, is a versatile medicinal legume valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. Rich in bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used to support digestive health and inflammatory relief. This resilient plant offers significant potential in herbal medicine for its nutritional and healing capabilities.

  • Scientific name: Vicia graminea
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

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 is identified by 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 graminea, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as bitter vetch, while in German, it is called Wickenkorn oder Heugras. In French, it is known as vesce des prés, and in Spanish, it is commonly called vicia de los prados.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions in South America. In Western South America, its presence is noted in the nations of Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Moving eastward, it can also be found throughout Southern Brazil. Additionally, the species extends into the northeastern parts of Argentina. Together, these locations highlight a broad geographical range across the continent.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Western South America Colombia WCVP
Western South America Peru WCVP
Brazil Brazil South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Chile South WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP
Southern South America Uruguay WCVP

Chemicals

Vicia graminea has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lectin.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
lectin 2 ★☆☆☆☆