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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Lotus tetragonolobus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Tetragonolobus purpurea. Moench.
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed Seedpod
Edible Uses: Coffee
Young seedpods - raw or cooked[16, 27, 33]. Added to salads, cooked as a vegetable or added to soups, stews etc[183]. The taste is said to resemble asparagus[183]. Only the very young pods, when less than 25mm long, should be used, since the older pods quickly turn fibrous[183]. Considered by many to be a gourmet food, though it is not a very high yielding crop[K]. Seed - cooked. Used like peas[105, 177, 183]. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[27, 183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1], preferring a rich light well-drained soil in a sunny position[33]. Occasionally cultivated for its edible young seedpods and also as an ornamental plant[16, 33]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in situ in the spring[33]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 15°c. If seed is in short supply, it can be sown in pots in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring or early summer[33].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus, Turkey (west), Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Ukraine (Krym), Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (incl. Baleares), France (s.?) AFRICA: Algeria (north), Egypt (north), Libya (north), Morocco, Tunisia
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
50200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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Subject : Lotus tetragonolobus
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