Pigeonpea
Cajanus cajan
Synonyms: Cajanus indicus var. maculatus, Cajanus indicus var. flavus, Cajanus pseudocajan, Cytisus guineensis, Cajanus cajan f. bicolor, Cajanus inodorus, Cajanus striatus, Cajanus cajan var. flavus, Cajanus luteus, Cajanus cajan var. bicolor, Cajanus obcordifolia, Cajanus indicus var. bicolor, Cajanum thora, Cajanus bicolor, Cajanus indicus, Cajanus flavus, Cytisus cajan, Cytisus pseudocajan
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Botanical Description
Cajanus cajan, the pigeon pea, is an erect, short-lived perennial shrub or woody herb of the bean family, commonly 1 to 4 m tall, often cultivated as an annual. The stems are branching, ridged, and silky-hairy. The leaves are trifoliate with lance-shaped to elliptic leaflets that are dark green above and greyish, gland-dotted, and downy beneath. Showy pea-like flowers, usually yellow and often streaked or backed with red or purple, are borne in branched clusters at the branch tips. The flat, oblong pods are slightly constricted between the seeds and contain three to five rounded seeds varying from cream to brown, red, or speckled. Probably domesticated in the Indian subcontinent or Africa, the pigeon pea is now grown widely throughout the tropics and subtropics as an important pulse, fodder, and cover crop.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
In Ayurvedic and wider Indian folk medicine the young leaves of pigeon pea (adhaki) are used as a remedy, chewed or applied for mouth sores and aphthous ulcers and given for various complaints, and the leaves and seeds feature in traditional treatments across India and Africa (Khare, 2007). The seeds are an important staple pulse throughout the tropics.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.