cajan

Cajanus cajan, commonly known as pigeon pea or Congo pea, is a flowering legume in the Fabaceae family. It is grown for its edible seeds and for use as forage or as a cover crop. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been widely cultivated across tropical regions in Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

The plant typically grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching up to several meters in height depending on the variety. It has pinnate leaves with small flowers that range in color from pale yellow to lavender. The fruit is a pod containing multiple seeds, which can vary in color from brown to mottled or cream.

Cajanus cajan is a nitrogen-fixing legume, forming nodules with Rhizobium bacteria in its roots. This trait helps improve soil fertility and supports subsequent crops in rotation. It is valued for drought tolerance and adaptability to warm, low-fertility soils, making it a common component in intercropping systems, rotations, and as green manure or livestock forage. Optimal yield requires warm temperatures, adequate rainfall, and well-drained soil; flowering and pod formation are influenced by climate and day length.

Uses of pigeon pea include dried seeds used as a pulse in soups, stews, and dhal, as well as fresh seeds in some cuisines. The foliage provides forage for livestock, and the plant can contribute to soil health when used as a cover crop or green manure. Pests and diseases can affect yields, with management often relying on resistant varieties and integrated pest approaches.