Pigeonpea
Cajanus cajan
- Native to:
- India
Filo gèn'
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cajanus
- Species:
- Cajanus cajan
- USDA Symbol:
- CACA27
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, red, orange
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Caribbean pod borer (Fundella pellucens), Ancylostomia stercorea, Bean pod borer (Maruca vitrata), Caloptilia violacella, Dichomeris acuminatus, navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), Pulse pod borer (Etiella zinckenella), Soybean Looper (Pseudoplusia includens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, birds
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 5–15 days
- Notes:
- Hard seed coat benefits from hot water soak or mechanical scarification. Germinates best at warm temperatures 25-30°C.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI