Hard Vetch

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Hard Vetch
• bard vetch
• spurred vetch
• square-stem vetch
• barn vetch
• single-flowered vetch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lathyrus monanthos
• Coppoleria monantha
• Vicia villosa subsp. monantha

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Vicia, which includes the species Vicia monantha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several regions of Europe. In Middle Europe, its presence is specifically documented within Germany. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found across various parts of Southwestern Europe. Within this southern region, the species inhabits France as well as the islands of Sardegna and the Baleares. Finally, its distribution extends through the mainland of Spain.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vicia monantha is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse altitudinal gradient, occupying an elevational range that spans from 400 m AMSL to a maximum of 1300 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to various landscape types, frequently establishing itself within crop fields and occurring in sandy soil substrates.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Habitat :

crop fields, sand

Life history

The life history of Vicia monantha is characterized by its classification as an annual species, completing its entire biological cycle from germination to seed production within a single growing season. In terms of its structural growth habit and survival strategy, the plant is categorized as a therophyte, meaning it exists primarily as a seed during unfavorable periods and relies on rapid seasonal development to reach maturity. This life form ensures its ability to exploit ephemeral resources and complete its reproductive phase before environmental conditions become limiting.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Vicia monantha is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, typically exhibiting an independent lifestyle without being a parasite or an epiphyte, as it maintains a terrestrial habit. The plant is relatively small in stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.3 m. Its shoots display an ascending orientation, and it functions as an obligatory climber to navigate its environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.3 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vicia monantha is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy that facilitates carbon fixation under moderate environmental conditions. The plant's vegetative morphology is defined by its leaf dimensions, which exhibit significant variability to optimize light interception and gas exchange. Specifically, the leaves possess a length ranging from a minimum of 5 cm to a maximum of 7 cm, while their width is notably narrow, varying from a minimum of 0.1 cm to a maximum of 0.8 cm. These structural parameters suggest a specialized leaf architecture tailored to its specific ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

7 cm

Leaf length min:

5 cm

Leaf width max:

0.8 cm

Leaf width min:

0.1 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vicia monantha is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and distinct morphological traits. The flowering period for this species typically begins in April and concludes in February, representing a broad seasonal window. Once pollination is successful, the plant develops fruit in the form of a pod. These pods are dehiscence-type structures, meaning they split open at maturity to facilitate the dispersal of seeds. The seeds produced exhibit specific mass variations, with a mean seed mass of approximately 0.0306883335 g. Individual seed weights fluctuate within a range, reaching a minimum of 0.02341 g and a maximum of 0.0459 g.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Feb

Fruit type :

pod

Seed mass max:

0.0459 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0306883335 g

Seed mass min:

0.02341 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vicia monantha has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Scientific reports