Lathyriiniä

Lathyriiniä is a tribe of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, also known as the pea family. This tribe is part of the subfamily Faboideae and is characterized by its herbaceous or climbing habit. The members of Lathyriiniä are distributed primarily across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

The genus Lathyrus, commonly known as sweet peas or vetchlings, is the most prominent and widely recognized genus within Lathyriiniä. Species in this tribe are often cultivated for ornamental purposes, with the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) being a popular example admired for its fragrant flowers. Some species also have historical and contemporary uses as food sources for humans and livestock, though caution is advised as some species contain toxins.

Reproductively, Lathyriiniä species typically produce flowers with a papilionaceous corolla, a characteristic structure found in many legumes. The fruits are usually legumes, or pods, containing multiple seeds. The ecological roles of Lathyriiniä members often involve nitrogen fixation, contributing to soil fertility in their habitats. Research into the tribe continues to explore its biodiversity, evolutionary relationships, and potential applications.