UoN The Hidden Half: Pea (Kelvedon Wonder)

Pisum sativum is more commonly known as the pea plant. These plants are well known for growing peas in pods which are the plants fruit. This is an important crop now grown in many parts of the world. It is thought the pea first originated in the area of modern day Greece, Turkey and Syria. Despite now being a commonly eaten vegetable when peas were first introduced to France in the 1600s they were described as a luxurious delicacy. Surprisingly, pea was also vital to the discovery of modern genetics as Gregor Mendel used peas to understand inheritance.

The roots of the pea plant have developed from one primary root and have branched a large number of times to fill the pot as it has grown.