Sea pea (Lathyrus japonicus Willd.) is a coastal plant with a wide circumpolar distribution range. Sea pea is a red-listed species in Ireland and is of high conservation priority. Only one extant population survives, but multiple ephemeral populations are recorded from the past. In order to establish the spatial and temporal dynamics of Irish Sea pea populations, we analysed >200 herbarium accessions spanning the geographic distribution range of the species across Europe, Asia, and Northern America. Analyses underway should help us understand the dispersal capacity of this species and help conservation efforts. This research is funded by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.
