A Review on Botanical and Phytochemical Characteristics of Grass Pea (Lathyrus Sativus L.)

Abstract

Grass pea is an important crop of economic significance in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Ethiopia. It is adapted to arid conditions, contains high levels of crude protein (26-32%), requires little water, and is sown with wheat as a Para-crop. To produce a proper Botanical delimitation of Lathyrus sativus L., morphological attributes from seed to mature plant were recorded at different leaf stages. The morphological parameters discussed are germination, root, root nodule characters, cotyledon, epicotyl, phyllotaxy, leaf petiole; stipule and leaf blade (type, shape, size, base, apex, margins, surface, color and venation), flower (inflorescence, number, color and parts), fruit and seed (shape, size, surface and color) along with some statistical observations of vegetative and reproductive growth were observed keenly. From renowned publications, citations have been made for anatomical, palynological and phytochemical information of L. sativus.