Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
L. latifolius is a vigorous climbing herbaceous perennial to 2m, with winged stems and paired grey-green leaflets bearing tendrils. Flowers 2-3cm in width, vivid purplish-pink, in racemes of 5-11