Description
Common name: Kidney vetch. Méara Muire.
General:
This population originates from Co Down. Irish Grid reference: J5737.
Perennial. Prostrate to semi-erect to 20cms tall with flowers. Flowers, bright yellow clusters of pea flowers, leaves furry underneath.
Benefits:
An important food plant for queen bumble bees and the principle larval food plant of the small blue butterfly.
Habitat:
Generally a coastal plant of grassland and meadows. Drought tolerant, prefers light soil and full sun. A good ground cover plant and works well as bedding in a garden situation.
Sowing guidelines:
Sow in autumn, cover lightly and protect overwinter, will probably germinate successionally OR sow in spring germination will be quicker. You’ll have much better germination rate if you scarify these seeds. This can be done in a few different ways, so depending on what you’re comfortable with. You could rub gently between two pieces of sandpaper or if you’re really dedicated chip the seed coat very carefully under a lens and without harming the endosperm – usually located around the hylem.
Transplant very gently, handling the leaves to protect the stem, and also the roots don’t like to be disturbed. Guard against damping off disease, especially whilst young.
Cultural history:
Known throughout Europe as a plant that heals wounds. Another Irish name for it is “Stanch”, perhaps named after the particular property to stop blood flow.
Avg contents: 55 seeds.
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