Common name:
Sea pea
Family:
Scientific name:
Lathyrus japonicus
Main flower color:
Range:
Coastal areas of south and southeast England; most less common further north
Height:
Up to 10 cm - a prostrate plant, with ridged stems up to 1 metre long
Habitat:
Margins of sand and shingle beaches
Flowers:
In short, elongated, initially one-sided clusters of 5 to 15; flowers are pink purple, maturing to blue. Keel petals are lighter than wings and banner. Calyces are hairless, divided about half their length into triangular lobes
Fruit:
Hairless pods up to 5 cm long
Leaves:
Leaflets are thick, grey-green, ovate, hairless, lined by coarse teeth; up to 4 cm long. Two to five pairs, with a branched tendril at the tip
Season:
June to August
Rarity:
★★★★★
