The Mystery of Lathyrus latifolius lanceolatus: When Plant Names Lead Us Astray
As a native plant enthusiast, I occasionally encounter botanical names that send me down fascinating research rabbit holes. Today, I want to share one such mystery: Lathyrus latifolius lanceolatus.
The Plot Thickens: A Name Without a Plant
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for those of us who love definitive answers): after extensive searching through botanical databases, herbarium records, and scientific literature, this specific plant name doesn’t appear to exist in current taxonomic records.
Now, before you think I’ve lost my gardening marbles, let me explain what might be happening here. Plant names can be tricky beasts, and there are several possibilities:
- This could be an outdated or invalidated botanical name
- It might be a misidentification or transcription error
- The name could be from an unofficial or local classification system
The Lathyrus Connection
What we do know is that this name begins with Lathyrus, a genus in the pea family (Fabaceae) that includes some absolutely lovely climbing and trailing plants. The most well-known species that comes close to this name is Lathyrus latifolius, commonly called Perennial Pea or Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea.
Why This Matters for Gardeners
This little mystery highlights an important lesson for all of us plant lovers: always double-check botanical names, especially when sourcing plants or sharing information. Botanical nomenclature is constantly evolving as scientists learn more about plant relationships and genetics.
If you’ve encountered this name somewhere and are looking for a plant to grow, I’d recommend:
- Verifying the correct botanical name with a reputable source
- Consulting local native plant societies or botanical gardens
- Checking recent taxonomic databases like Plants of the World Online or GBIF
Moving Forward
While I can’t give you growing tips for a plant that may not exist under this name, I can encourage you to explore the wonderful world of verified Lathyrus species. Many are excellent additions to native gardens, offering beautiful flowers and important wildlife benefits.
Remember, gardening is as much about the journey of discovery as it is about the destination. Sometimes the plants that don’t exist teach us just as much as the ones that do!
