Fri, April 4, 2008 - 10:12 AM
according to calflora.org we have this species too!
Lupinus angustifolius
Common name: Blue lupin Family: Leguminosae
Author: L. Botanical references: 50, 200
Synonyms:
Known Hazards: The seed of many lupin species contain bitter-tasting toxic alkaloids, though there are often sweet varieties within that species that are completely wholesome[65, 76]. Taste is a very clear indicator. These toxic alkaloids can be leeched out of the seed by soaking it overnight and discarding the soak water. It may also be necessary to change the water once during cooking. Fungal toxins also readily invade the crushed seed and can cause chronic illness[65].
Range: Europe - Mediterranean.
Habitat: Cultivated and rocky ground on light acid soils45, 50].
Plants For A Future Rating (1-5): 4
Other Possible Synonyms: From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below.
L. linifolius[G] L. reticulatus[G] L. varius[G]
Other Common Names: From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below.
Blauwe Lupine [D], Narrow-leaf Lupine [B], Narrowleaf Lupine [P], Thermos Hemeros [E],
Epithets: From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets
angustifolius = narrow leaved;
Other Range Info: From the Ethnobotany Database
Europe
Plant Passport required for Trade in UK/EU From DEFRA Plant passporting.
Plant Passport Required for commercial growers in the UK/Europe.
Physical Characteristics
Annual growing to 1m by 0.25m . . It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. We rate it 4 out of 5 for usefulness.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.
Habitats and Possible Locations
Cultivated Beds.
Cultivar 'Uniwhite': Cultivated Beds.
Edible Uses
Seed.
Seed - cooked[177]. Used as a protein-rich vegetable or savoury dish in any of the ways that cooked beans are used, they can also be roasted or ground into a powder. If the seed is bitter this is due to the presence of toxic alkaloids and the seed should be thoroughly leached before being cooked. The seeds of low-alkaloid varieties is used in making 'tempeh'[183]. The seed is rich in protein, though it is deficient in the amino-acid methionine[240]. The protein has a high digestibility (90%) and biological value(53%)[240].
Medicinal Uses
Disclaimer
None known
Other Uses
Green manure.
A good green manure plant, it produces a good bulk of organic matter and fixes atmospheric nitrogen[200]. It also makes phosphorus in the soil more available to other plants[201].
Cultivation details
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any moderately good soil[1]. Requires a sunny position[200]. Prefers a light acid soil[50] but tolerates adverse conditions. Dislikes limey soils[50].
Sometimes cultivated for its edible seeds, there are some named varieties that are low in the bitter toxic alkaloids. 'Uniwhite' is a low-alkaloid variety with a permeable seed coat. It has reduced pod-shattering[183] and so is easier to harvest mechanically.
The blue lupin is a good companion plant for most vegetables[201].
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.