Lathyrus sativus 3a

Location: Our front yard

Equipment: Canon EOS 1 Ds Mark III, 100 mm macro lens, polarizing filter

Digital imaging/manipulation:  Increased exposure

Notes: Known as "grass pea," the seeds of this plant have been known to be a cause of spastic paraplegia in countries including India, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia. It is particularly problematic during periods of drought because when staple crops die, this plant survives. Its seeds are ground into flour and chronic consumption can lead to irreversible neurotoxicity. The seeds may be purchased online. By the way, this is not a situation where consumption of a single seed is toxic.