The common vetch (Vicia sativa, family Fabaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant that adorns fields with its vibrant pink-violet flowers. Ranging in height from 10 to 90 cm, it thrives in meadows, cultivated fields, fallow lands, roadsides, and slopes. Its stems either spread along the ground or climb using the tendrils found on its leaves.

Vetch is highly valued by pollinators, especially bees , which find in its flowers a rich source of nectar and pollen. As a legume, it also plays a crucial role in soil health, fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in its roots, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting biodiversity.

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Cultivated since the Neolithic era for food, vetch was appreciated despite its seeds being somewhat indigestible and not particularly palatable. These seeds were dried, ground, and mixed with cereal flour to make bread.

Photo Pixabay.