Pigeonpea

Cajanus cajan

Pigeonpea

Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A.)

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Cajanus
Species:
Cajanus cajan

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Caribbean pod borer (Fundella pellucens), Ancylostomia stercorea, Bean pod borer (Maruca testulalis), Bean pod borer (Maruca vitrata), Caloptilia violacella, Dichomeris acuminatus, navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), Pulse pod borer (Etiella zinckenella), Soybean Looper (Pseudoplusia includens), Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, fertile loamy soil
pH:
5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to semi-arid regions, drought-tolerant