Vicia benghalensis

Native to Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Corse, France, and Greece and nearby regions, this is an herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. Purple vetch has spread to other regions because of its use in agriculture. It serves as a cover crop and green manure, aiding in soil improvement and providing a natural method for weed and pest control. It’s also used in crop rotation, for hay and fodder, and as a honey plant, boasting a high biomass yield. It is recognized as one of the best green manuring species for rice fields in the USA and serves as a valuable break between cash crops for disease and weed management. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.