Vicia setifolia var. bonariensis: A Mysterious Member of the Vetch Family
If you’ve stumbled upon the name Vicia setifolia var. bonariensis in your plant research, you might be scratching your head wondering what exactly this plant is all about. Don’t worry – you’re not alone! This particular variety of vetch is one of those botanical mysteries that keeps even seasoned gardeners and plant enthusiasts on their toes.
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Vicia setifolia var. bonariensis belongs to the vetch family, a group of leguminous plants known for their climbing or trailing habits and their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. However, specific information about this particular variety is surprisingly scarce in botanical literature and gardening resources.
The scientific name suggests this is a variety of Vicia setifolia, with bonariensis possibly indicating some connection to the Buenos Aires region of Argentina, though this connection isn’t definitively documented in available sources.
The Information Gap
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating): despite its official botanical name, detailed information about this variety’s characteristics, native range, growing requirements, and garden performance is extremely limited. This could mean several things:
- It might be a recently described or rarely studied variety
- It could have limited distribution or cultivation
- The variety might be known primarily in specialized botanical circles
- It may have been reclassified or merged with other varieties
What This Means for Gardeners
If you’re considering adding Vicia setifolia var. bonariensis to your garden, you’ll want to proceed with caution. The lack of readily available information makes it difficult to determine:
- Whether it’s appropriate for your growing zone
- Its invasive potential in your area
- Specific care requirements
- Its ecological benefits or impacts
A Word of Caution
Without clear information about this variety’s characteristics and behavior, it’s challenging to recommend it for home gardens. Some members of the Vicia genus can be aggressive spreaders, while others are valuable native plants that support pollinators and wildlife.
Better Alternatives
If you’re interested in growing vetches in your garden, consider researching well-documented native Vicia species in your area. Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify native alternatives that will provide similar benefits with known growing requirements and ecological impacts.
The Bottom Line
Vicia setifolia var. bonariensis remains something of a botanical enigma. While it has an official scientific name, the lack of detailed information makes it a risky choice for home gardeners. Until more is known about this variety’s characteristics and requirements, it’s better to stick with well-documented plant choices that you can grow successfully and responsibly.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that keep their secrets – but when it comes to your garden, it’s usually better to choose plants whose stories are an open book!
