Vicia is a large genus of about 140 species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, native to Europe, Asia and Africa. One species, Vicia faba, commonly known as Broad Bean or fava bean is cultivated for human consumption, while a number of other species are cultivated as forage for livestock or green manure. Other species are wild flowers.

Vicia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Chionodes lugubrella (recorded on V. cracca), Angle Shades, Double-striped Pug, The Flame, Lime-speck Pug and two case-bearers of the genus Coleophora which feed exclusively on Vicia: C. cracella and C. fuscicornis (the latter feeds exclusively on V. tetrasperma).

Certain species of vetch are suitable for consumption by ruminant animals, but not for single-stomach animals including humans, due to a toxin. However, split vetch seed (Vicia sativa) resembles split red lentils (Lens culinaris), and cases have been reported of vetch being deliberately mislabelled (by exporters or importers) and sold for human consumption to countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Egypt, which are traditional consumers of lentils. This has resulted in import bans by those countries. (ref. Vetch Scandal)

References

• The Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe. Fitter, R. & A., Collins 1974.
• Enneking, D. 1995. The toxicity of Vicia species and their utilisation as grain legumes.
• Vetch Scandal Health Report, Australian Broadcasting Corporation 19 April 1999.

External links

• Laghetti, G. et al. 2000 Single-flowered vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.): A relic crop in Italy (requires subscription)

Faboideae

Vicia | Wicken (Vicia) | Vesce | Vikis | Wikke