Family: Fabaceae

Lathyrus clymenum (Spanish vetchling, crimson pea) is a legume native to the Mediterranean. It is used as a food crop on the Greek Island of Santorini. Its cultivation dates back 3,500 years, and the cooked fava are mixed in a puree with chopped onion, olive oil and lemon. The plant is sensitive and very susceptible to drought, heat waves, and strong winds. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in regions with temperate to subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized in the Azores
  
• A possible disturbance or agricultural weed
  
• Other Lathyrus species are invasive weeds
  
• Seeds may be toxic to animals and humans if consumed in large quantities
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-fertile
  
• Reaches maturity in <1 year
  
• Seeds dispersed by humans and livestock
  
• Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity unknown)

Low Risk Traits:

• A domesticated food and fodder crop
  
• Despite naturalization and reports of weedy forms, negative impacts have not been reported
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock (palatable despite reports of seed toxicity)
  
• Thrives in full sun and high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively