Showy Pigeonpea
Cajanus scarabaeoides
- Native to:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Hainan, India, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Malaya, Marianas, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Pakistan, Philippines, South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Dinesh Valke (www.flickr.com) from Thane, India
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cajanus
- Species:
- Cajanus scarabaeoides
- USDA Symbol:
- CASC33
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in poor soils typical of its native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification or hot water treatment improves germination due to hard seed coat. Germinates best at warm temperatures 25-30°C.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI