Tufted vetch  (Viccia cracca)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Tufted vetch is a common scrambling or climbing member of the pea family (Fabaceae) (4). The leaves and stems are fairly hairy, and there are numerous branched clinging tendrils that provide aid in climbing (2). The drooping bluish-purple flowers occur in long, one-sided clusters known as racemes(5). Between four and eight seeds are produced in a pod with a nail or claw-like tip (2). The name ‘vetch’ is derived from the Latin name of the genus ‘Viccia’ (5).

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