English Pea (Pisum sativum 'Penelope')

The English Pea (Pisum sativum), including the variety ‘Penelope’, is **not native to England, despite its name.**

It originates from the **Near East** or **Mediterranean region.** This is where the wild ancestor of the pea, *Pisum fulvum*, is found.

The “English” part of the name refers to the fact that the English were particularly keen on developing and popularizing certain varieties of peas, especially those that could be shelled and eaten fresh. The English Pea as we know it, with its sweet, plump seeds, was largely developed through breeding efforts in England.

So, while the *cultivation* of certain varieties might have been significant in England, the plant’s **origin is in the Near East/Mediterranean.**