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Origins
Lathyrus odoratus, as sweet peas are properly known, derive their name from the Greek word, lathyros, for "pea" or "pulse," and the Latin word for "fragrant," odoratus. The delicacy of sweet peas, a delight to florists and gardeners alike, once limited the use and availability of this exceedingly fragrant member of the Fabaceae family. With more than 260 varieties in cultivation, sweet peas come in a broad color range, including white, purple, pink, lavender and red. Sweet peas owe their diversity to Henry Eckford, who, during the 1800s, earned the moniker, "Father of the Sweet Pea," for breeding numerous improvements in color, flower size and flower structure into this species, which grew wild in its native Italy. |
