An unusual plant from the botanical perspective, Lathyrus aphaca does not have true leaves but these have been adapted into long tendrils, and the  stipules, the usually small appendages at the base of a leaf, have enlarged to form leaf-like structures. These are arranged in pairs along the length of the long flexible stem, with yellow, pea flowers emerging from their axils. The plant is a dull green, with a waxy layer which protects against high heat and light levels.