Lens culinaris Medik.
Fabaceae (legume family)
Location: Pulse crops
Origin: Mediterannean area and Southwestern Asia
Biophysical Requirements: Adapted to cool, semi-arid regions receiving just 10 to 12 inches of rain.Production in the USA is in the Palouse area of Washington‐Idaho. The plant is a branched weakly upright or vining annual about 20 inches tall with short pods which usually contain only two lens‐shaped, pea‐like seeds.
Food Uses: The seeds are very high in protein and often made into a soups or dal.
See also Purdue University new crops website.