Overview of Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is also known by its common names seaside pea, beach pea, and sea pea. This plant is native to North America and is found mainly in coastal areas, including sand dunes, beach grasslands, and rocky shores.
Description of Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate salt spray and sand. It is a perennial herbaceous vine that can reach up to forty centimeters in length. The stems are slender and branched, and the leaves are small, narrow, and oblong-shaped. The plant produces beautiful purple flowers.
There are two recognized varieties of this plant: Lathyrus maritimus var. maritimus and Lathyrus maritimus var. pellitus. The latter variety has distinct hairs that cover the plant's leaves, stems, and calyxes, giving it a dense and wooly appearance.
Uses of Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason has several uses. Historically, it was used as a food source by Native American tribes. Because of its high protein content, it was often used in stews and soups. The plant has also been identified as having potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Today, Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason is primarily used for erosion control and dune stabilization. It is planted in coastal landscapes to prevent soil erosion and maintain the natural ecosystem.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may result in reduced flowering. Full sun suits it best, however, for optimal growth and blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate frost, making it ideal for temperate regions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C. In regions experiencing hot summer, planting the species in areas exposed to partial shade may aid in regulating soil temperature and preventing overheating of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil type required should have good drainage and be well flushed with water. Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason do well in sandy loam to sandy soil texture containing some organic matter. The soil PH range should be acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5), which enables better nutrient uptake and minimizes excess acidity. Fertilizer applications should be restrained since the plant can fix nitrogen on its own.
Cultivation Methods
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason is a coastal plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight. It is important to select a location with good air circulation and sandy, loamy soil. If you intend to grow the plant indoors, ensure to provide it with a sunny spot near the window or use grow lights.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason are relatively low. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is moderately dry between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under watering can cause wilt and eventual death. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to check the soil moisture level regularly and water only when necessary.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can help Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason grow better and produce more blooms. Using a low-nitrogen fertilizer during early spring will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth. For best results, feed the plant every eight weeks during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth, which could cause the plant to become unruly.
Pruning
Pruning Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason is essential to promote healthy growth and maintain an attractive shape. Regular pruning will help remove dead or diseased parts of the plant and provide enough room for new growth. Pruning is best done in early spring, just before the plant enters its active growing phase. To ensure healthy regrowth, it is advisable to prune no more than one-third of the plant's overall growth during any pruning session.
Propagation of Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason
There are two main methods of propagating Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason, namely seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason can be propagated both indoors and outdoors. For indoor propagation, a tray filled with quality potting soil is used to plant the seeds. The seeds need to be kept moist and warm in a well-lit area until there is enough growth for the seedlings to be transplanted outdoors. When transplanting, ensure that the location has well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. Outdoor planting is straightforward as the seeds can be planted directly into the ground. Plant the seeds about an inch deep into the soil and ensure that they are regularly irrigated and receive ample sunlight.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason can be propagated through the use of cuttings as well. Cuttings may be taken from healthy mature plants in the spring when the shoots have started to show growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. After the cuttings are collected they can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder, and placed in moist well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be provided with bright light until roots are established.
Disease Management for Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason is a hardy plant that is generally disease-resistant. However, it can still be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose:
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage Anthracnose, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected plant parts. In severe cases, fungicides can be used, following manufacturer instructions.
Powdery Mildew:
Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that can cause white or gray powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is necessary to maintain good air circulation around the plant, prune overgrown areas, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary, following manufacturer instructions.
Bacterial Wilt:
Bacterial Wilt is a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. There is no effective treatment for bacterial wilt, so prevention is key, as it can spread rapidly. To prevent bacterial wilt, it is crucial to practice good hygiene, such as sterilizing tools and practicing crop rotation.
Pest Management for Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason
Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason can also suffer from pest infestations. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids:
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation. To manage aphids, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and spray with insecticidal soap, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Leafhoppers:
Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They are capable of transmitting disease causing bacteria in the process. To manage them, it is important to clear away any debris or weeds around the plant, and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites:
Spider Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowish spots on the leaves, stunted growth, and defoliation. To prevent spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the manufacturer's instructions.
By following good plant hygienic practices, monitoring the plant regularly, and promptly treating any disease or pest infestations, you can maintain the health of your Lathyrus maritimus Bigelow var. pellitus (Fern.) Gleason plant.
