A short characterization of the grasspea includes systematics, morphology, distribution, utilization, desirable qualities in cultivation and presence of antinutritional compounds. Much attention is given to the content of ß-N-oxalyl-L-α, ß-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), the neurotoxin responsible for irreversible paralysis of lower limbs (neurolathyrism) after prolonged overconsumption of the grasspea seeds. Moreover, the main objectives of investigations and breeding programmes aimed to improve the potentially valuable pulse crop are discussed. A renewed interest in cultivation of the grasspea in Poland is indicated.