Loiseleur’s vetch

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Loiseleur’s vetch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ervum meyeri
• Endiusa loiseleurii
• Ervilia loiseleurii
• Ervum loiseleurii
• Ervum terronii
• Vicia meyeri
• Vicia terronii
• Vicia litvinovii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Vicia as Vicia loiseleurii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across several key regions of Europe and Asia. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is documented in both Bulgaria and Greece. Moving toward Eastern Europe, the species can be found extending as far north as the Baltic States. It also inhabits the Crimean Peninsula, which is located within the Eastern European territory. Finally, its distribution reaches the Caucasus region, specifically within the North Caucasus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vicia loiseleurii is characterized by its preference for specific open landscapes, primarily inhabiting meadows and shrubberies. Within these environments, the plant thrives in transitional zones where sunlight availability is sufficient to support its growth cycles. The meadow habitats provide the necessary herbaceous cover and soil conditions for its establishment, while the presence of shrubberies offers a mosaic of microclimates, offering varying degrees of shade and protection from wind. These specific ecological niches allow the species to integrate into the complex community structures of its native terrain, where it interacts with local soil microbiota and competing vegetation within these semi-open habitats.

Habitat :

meadows, shrubberies

Life history

The life history of Vicia loiseleurii is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire reproductive cycle—from germination to seed production and death—within a single growing season. As a therophyte, it utilizes a survival strategy where the plant dies off at the end of its seasonal cycle, leaving behind seeds that persist in the soil to await favorable conditions for the next generation. This life form dictates its rapid developmental pace, allowing it to exploit transient environmental resources effectively before the onset of unfavorable conditions.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Vicia loiseleurii is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, typically exhibiting an independent lifestyle without being a parasite or an epiphyte. It is a terrestrial species that can range from aquatic to semiaquatic habitats. The plant maintains a relatively low profile with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.5 m. Its shoots follow an ascending orientation and the plant is self-supporting rather than being an obligatory or facultative climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vicia loiseleurii is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that dictates its reproductive success. The flowering process typically begins in April, marking the onset of its reproductive phase. This period continues through the spring, with the flowering duration concluding in May. While the exact timing can be subject to environmental variables, the primary window for bloom is concentrated within these months, facilitating the pollination necessary for the plant's lifecycle.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vicia loiseleurii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Auramine O, Callose, Nile blue.

Auramine O

1. Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale

Callose

1. Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale

Nile blue

1. Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale