LOTUS tetragonolobus (TETRAGONOLOBUS maritimus) Dragon's Teeth, Winged Pea ____________________________________ Type: Perennial Height: 4-8" (10-20cm) Flowering Time: Summer Flower Colour: Yellow ____________________________________ Botanical Classification: Class: Angiospermae (Angiosperms) Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons) Superorder: Rosidae (Rose Superorder) Order: Fabales (Bean Order) Family: Papilionaceae (Pea Family) Genus: Lotus Species: tetragonolobus (with a pod with four angles) ____________________________________

Lotus tetragonolobus is not often found, perhaps because it can be classed as a vegetable because the young seed pods can be eaten in the same way as its relative, Tetragonolobus purpureus, the Asparagus Pea, which has red flowers. Lotus tetragonolobus (previously known as Tetragonolobus maritimus) forms a sprawling mat of tangled leafy stems, with large yellow pea-flowers with brown markings, turning to little angled pods which can be eaten when young. When they get older, they become woody and inedible. The plant also becomes untidy and lower stems and leaves can rot in wet weather.

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Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

				Germination: Winter Outside (18 days)
Seed Pod The seedpod is a short woody pod with four angles. Seed The seeds are small brown peas. There are several seeds in a seed pod. Seedling The seedling has three leaflets, like clover leaves.