A much-branched sub-erect annual. Stem up to 1.2 m. long; leaves pinnately compound : leaflets modified into tendrils ; flowers solitary, axillary, reddish purple, blue or white; pods oblong, 2.5-3.7 cm. long, flat, slightly curved, dorsally 2-winged: seeds 4-5 cm. in a pod, facetted, greyish brown or yellowish. usually spotted or mottled, somewhat smaller than peas.

Powerful and dangerous cathartic (seed oil)

Lathyrus sativus L.
Plants for a Future
Ecoport

Beta-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid or ODAP

The seeds are used locally in homeopathic medicine.The oil from the seeds is a powerful and dangerous cathartic.

The seed contains a toxic amino-acid which, in large quantities, can cause a very serious disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism'.

Sharma PV. Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants.