Cowpea
Vigna minima
- Native to:
- Borneo, Cambodia, China, Hainan, Japan, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, New Guinea, Philippines, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand
iNaturalist: © ffjuju (iNaturalist #317532124)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Vigna
- Species:
- Vigna minima
- USDA Symbol:
- VIMI8
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open grasslands and savannas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy.