Lathyrus clymenum (Spanish Vetchling)
Photograph by Kian Khalilian
Lathyrus clymenum, colloquially known as the Spanish vetchling, is a very common native plant found throughout Gibraltar. It's a member of the pea family (Fabaceae) and has a zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) papilionaceous (butterfly-like) flower– a common morphological characteristic of plants in the Faboideae subfamily of Fabaceae. The papilionaceous flower is often represented in three parts: banner, wings and keel (see diagram below). The keel is formed with two fused petals and houses the androecium (male reproductive parts– stamen) and the gynoecium (female reproductive parts– pistil).
Diagram source: https://friendsofedgewood.org/common-pacific-pea
Lathyrus clymenum uses its tendrils, modified terminal leaflets, to twine itself around objects. Its ability to climb allows it to spread out and successfully compete for valuable sunlight. Variations on this same mechanism can be found in multiple other plants throughout the world, each highly adapted to their own environment.
Although it is found as a wild plant in much of the mediterranean, Lathyrus clymenum has been cultivated on the Greek island of Santorini for over 3500 years and the seeds are used in a dish called "Fava Santorini". The seeds look much like the more commonly found Chana Daal but are a completely different species. The split-peas are cooked into a hummus-like consistency with onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and some salt.