LENS CULINARIS subsp. CULINARIS

Including Lens odemensis. A taxon of uncertain status, apparently very close to

Lens culinaris differing mainly in the semi-hastate stipules with a few, rather blunt

teeth on the outer, curved margin.

Family and Genus:- LEGUMINOSAE

Common Names:- Lentil

Homotypic Synonyms:- None

Meaning:- Lens (L) The classical name for the lentil.

Culinaris (L) Of food, of the kitchen.

General description:- Annual.

Stems:-

1) Up to 40-50 cm. Spreading, covered with short soft hairs.

Leaves:-

1) Leaflets, 3-8 pairs, up to 20 x 8 mm, oblong or elliptical.

2) Stipules, oblong-lance-shaped, with even margins.

Flowers:-

1) Racemes, about equalling the leaves.

2) Calyx-teeth, up to 6 times as long as the tube.

Fruit:-

1) Legume, 12-16 x 6-12 mm. yellowish, glabrous.

2) Seeds, 1-3.

Key features:-

1) Stipules, oblong-lanceolate, entire.

2) Legume, 12-16 x 6-12 mm.

3) Racemes, about equalling the leaves.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:-Cultivated, fallow and waste ground, roadsides and hedgerows. 0-800

(1300) m.

Distribution:- Widespread around the Mediterranean. Widely cultivated in C. S. and

E. Europe for its edible seeds (lentils) and sometimes naturalized. No distribution

information available for Crete.

Flowering time:- Late Mar to early June.

Photos by:- Steve Lenton