Volunteer lentil

Lens esculentum

Lens culinaris, commonly known as Lentil, is an annual legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Lentils are one of the oldest cultivated crops, valued for their high protein and nutrient content. Here's an informative description of this plant:

Description:

  1. Plant Structure:

    • Size: Lentil plants typically reach a height of about 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm).
    • Growth Form: Lentils have a bushy, low-growing habit with multiple stems.

  2. Leaves:

    • Arrangement: The leaves are alternate and consist of several pairs of leaflets.
    • Leaflets: Each leaflet is small, lanceolate, and arranged in pairs along the stem.

  3. Flowers:

    • Inflorescence: Lentils produce inconspicuous, small flowers that are typically white, pink, or blue-purple.
    • Flower Structure: Lentil flowers are papilionaceous, resembling typical pea flowers.

  4. Fruit:

    • Pods: After pollination, lentil plants produce small, lens-shaped pods that contain one or two seeds.
    • Seed Color: Lentils come in various colors, including brown, green, red, yellow, and black, depending on the variety.