Scientific name: Vicia sativa L. var. angustifolia L.Synonyms: Vicia angustifolia L.Common names: Narrow-leaved vetchFamily: FabaceaeOrigin:Native of Europe. Habit:Annual herb with sprawling or climbing stems with tendrils extending from the tips of the compound leaves. Habitat:A weed of lawn or garden areas and pastures. General description:Stems and leavesStems vary from being moderately hairy to hairless. Leaves are compound with 4-8 paired narrow leaflets 1-4 x 02-0.4 cm and tendril at the ends. Flowers and fruitFlowers are pink to reddish purple pea flowers 1-1.8 cm long, borne singly or in pairs or threes on short stalks. Flowering occurs from late winter to spring. Pods are 2-5 x 0.3-0.6 cm in size and turn black when mature. Distinguishing characteristics:Annual sprawling or climbing pea plant with compound leaves with 4-8 pairs of narrow leaflets and tendrils extending from the tips. The flowers are pea-like and pink to reddish purple in colour (1-3 per cluster). Pods are black and 2.5 cm in length. Noxious status:Not noxious. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 1. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. |