SafePlants

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

The pigeonpea, scientifically known as Cajanus cajan, is a versatile legume with a rich history and a promising future. It's also known by several common names.

Common Names:

• Congo pea
• Red gram
• Yellow dahl
• Arhar
• Tuver

Considerations for Pets:

• This plant is a shrub, so consider the potential for woody stems if accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children:

• This plant is a shrub, so consider the potential for woody stems if accessible to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Plant Symbol: CACA27

Distribution and Habitat:

• Pigeonpea is predominantly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
• It is a critical crop in rain-fed agriculture, especially in the semi-arid tropics.
• Major producing regions include the Indian sub-continent and Africa.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:

• Pigeonpea is described as a perennial shrub or small tree.
• It's a highly branched shrub with a woody base.
• It can grow up to 3.6 meters in height.
• The plant has trifoliate leaves and yellow to reddish flowers.
• It produces flattened pods containing edible seeds.

Ecological Role:

• Pigeonpea improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen.
• The root nodules release nitrogen when the plant is pruned or dies, enriching the soil.

Genetic Information:

• The reproduction system is approximately 60% autogamous (self-pollinating).
• Pigeonpea exhibits extreme genetic variability, resulting in numerous cultivars.
• It is a diploid legume species.

Quirky Facts:

• Pigeonpea has been cultivated for at least 3,500 years, with its domestication originating in India.

Uses and Benefits:

• Pigeonpea is cultivated mainly for its edible seeds, which are high in protein.
• It has medicinal uses.
• It serves as an important protein source in many developing countries.
• The plant's seeds and forage contain over 20% protein.
• It is considered a drought-tolerant crop, helping to prevent famine in drought-prone areas.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• Pigeon pea plants are susceptible to infection by the wilt pathogen at all stages of development.

Further Information:

• USDA NRCS Cape May Plant Materials Center
• ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics)