Jump to content
The Corroboree
  • 0
Sign in to follow this  
Auxin

Pretty exploding vine

Question

My instincts keep telling me this weed has some use. It dies back every year but I dont know if its annuual or perennial, its stem is square, it makes tan 2-3 cm pointed cylindrical pods that explode with a loud snap making two curled pod halves and numerous 3mm spherical black seeds go flying, they sometimes hit me in the face lol. The plant has tendrils and loves to climb and grows a meter or two.

What is the thing? :unsure:

post-146-127735200605_thumb.jpg

post-146-127735205958_thumb.jpg

100_0508.JPG

100_6577.JPG

100_0508.JPG

100_6577.JPG

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

i know Broom pods pop like that but that aint no Broom. cool looking plant anyway

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 0

Possibly a Rattlepod - Crotalaria sp.?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 0

well it's almost certainly Fabaceae.. a pea of some description. i've seen similar growing as a weed in australia..

looks a bit like Coronilla varia. could be a lead at least..

EDIT: wait wait wait!!!!! it's actually Vicia dasycarpa, almost certainly, i knew i'd seen it before, it was in tim low's Wild Herbs :)

Edited by paradox

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 0

Bingo, thats it :)

Thanks everybody

Now I just have to find a use for it. :unsure:

Theres some indication it promotes lactation... and I DO have a breast pump :lol:

"dude, where did you buy this cheese? I dont recognize the flavor"

:devil:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 0

though it's mainly focused just on edibility, this is from the same book i quoted above:

the small protein rich seeds of vicia spp have caused cyanide poisoning in rats, cattle & humans...

on the other hand 19th century historical records show that certain types of vetch's were grown as food in england, france & central europe..

cyanide content varies greatly.. & is reduces a lot by cooking..

young shoots of some vetch's are edible..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 0
  • 0

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×