Many will remember the scent of Sweet Pea from childhood. I certainly do. Large swathes were grown against a rather rickety home-made trellis of bamboo canes and gardener’s twine, providing a supporting structure for a scented kaleidoscope of delicate blossom.

It is now widely accepted that Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea) originated in Sicily where it was noted by Franciscus Cupani in 1695.  Soon they became popular worldwide.

The flower comprises five petals in total.  A central upright petal called the standard or banner, two horizontal petals or wings and two small fused petals known as the keel.