We usually ask seven questions in this column, but August can be super busy or super laid-back. Can we go with five questions this month?
I’m just here relaxing in the sand. You do you.
Okay, great. What’s your favourite colour?
I’m more into shades than colours, to be honest. I start with purple and, hey, you know purple is just an illusion, right? I mean, the colour is all in your head. Isn’t that wild? Anyway, from purple I might wander to lighter shades, close to pink, or darker shades, close to blue. Depends on the day and vibe.
You sure know your shades! What about nicknames?
Seaside pea, beach vetchling, sea peavine, you get the idea. I like the beach. But I can do formal too: Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus. It’s got a good rhythm, right?
Who’s your BFF?
I don’t have a best friend, I get along with everyone. But bumblebees, mason bees, butterflies and moths are special to me because they pollinate beach pea flowers. I literally couldn’t live without them.
What’s your superpower?
I have another name: circumpolar pea. Kinda weird but hear me out. My purple flowers turn to seed pods once they’re pollinated. They look like peas you’d see in a garden and you can eat them in very small amounts. But here’s the thing: when the tide comes in the peas float off into the ocean. And they can float, well, around the world. Beach peas can float for five years, then find a new beach and start a whole new life.
One wish?
I have other superpowers: I keep the sand on our shorelines stable and I add nitrogen and other nutrients which help other plants grow. I take care of the beach and my wish is that you do the same. Beaches aren’t just for relaxing, you know…. Was that five questions or six?
Each month, Wild Talk columnist Katherine Barrett interviews a local plant while printmaker Vanessa McKiel captures their portrait.
