Garden Lupin

Lupinus polyphyllus, the garden Lupin
There are about 300 species of lupins globally.  The lupin belongs to the pea family.  Like other relatives, they have a mutualistic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live in root nodules.  This allows them to live in nutrient-poor soils.  They have a large root system and propagates asexually by sending rhizomes under the ground.  Lupins are also perennials, meaning that they overwinter and return the following year.  These facts combined make them a favourable species for slope stabilization. 

 The garden lupin is grown for its attractive flowers; seeds can be purchased locally.  Although beautiful when in full bloom, these floral pinnacles have a downside.  Many species contain alkaloids and are toxic.  They easily out-compete other plants in poor soil because of their nitrogen-fixing properties and can take over, crowding out other desirable species.  Then there is the "butterfly effect," where the garden variety hybridizes with other species making them unpalatable for native Lepidoptera that depend upon certain types of native lupins.

The news is not all bad.  There are species of lupins which are edible and, in fact, extremely useful.  Being part of the pea family, their seeds are high in protein and can be used to make flours useful in baking.  The roots of some species have been consumed by natives; caution is needed in both cases as the alkaloids can cause illness or even death if taken in significant quantities.  As with most plant species, it is best to know for certain before eating any part of it.

One thing that I read did fascinate me.  Lupins are capable of launching their seeds "ballistically."  My mind visualizes pods of small, dense seeds being propelled a significant distance.  Although the truth is not quite so dramatic, I learned that the seed pods heat up by the sun and explode, sending the contents soaring through the air.  The fact that lupins can be 4 feet tall gives them the ability to get some distance from this dispersal mechanism.  If you want to see the effect, click on this video.  It is a different species of plant but the effect is the same.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen

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