Pigeon Pea, Puerto Rico Bean, Gandul, Dhal, Congo Pea

Cajanus cajan

Physical Characteristics

Cajanus cajan is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - India.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Seedpod Shoots Edible Uses: Seed - cooked. Very young seeds can be cooked and eaten like peas, going well in rice dishes[ 46 , 301 ]. Mature seeds are dried and added to soups and stews[ 46 , 300 ]. Small but flavourful[ 298 ]. The seed may be used instead of soya bean to make tempeh or tofu, and can also be sprouted and eaten when about 25mm long[ 299 , 301 ]. The seed is usually round or oval and up to 8mm in diameter[ 300 ]. Seedpods - cooked[ 300 ]. The unripe pods are eaten in curries[ 301 ]. The pods are up to 10cm long and 14mm wide[ 200 ]. Leaves and young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable[ 298 , 300 ]. A strong, spicy odour, with a new flavour that is not agreeable to everyone[ 298 ]. A good source of protein[ 298 ]. The leaves contain up to 9% protein[ 301 ]. The leaves quickly become fibrous[ 298 ]. Widely cultivated in all tropical and semitropical regions. An important legume crop of rainfed agriculture in the semiarid tropics. The Indian subcontinent, eastern Africa and Central America are the World's three main pigeon pea-producing regions. Pigeon peas are cultivated in more than 25 countries, either as a sole crop or intermixed with cereals, such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), or maize (Zea mays), or with other legumes, such as peanuts (Arachis hypogaea).

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antidiarrhoeal Antitussive Deodorant Diuretic Expectorant Laxative Mouthwash Pectoral Sedative Skin Vulnerary The roots are anthelmintic, sedative, expectorant and vulnerary. An infusion of the leaves is used as a treatment for pulmonary conditions such as coughs and bronchitis. The leaf juice is taken internally in the treatment of haemorrhages, coughs and diarrhoea. An infusion of the leaves, combined with Dactyloctenium aegyptium, is used to accelerate childbirth. Young leaves are chewed to treat boils on the tongue. A decoction is used for washing ulcers. The boiled leaves are applied to sores and wounds to hasten cicatrization. Young shoots and the green seedpods are used to make a good pectoral infusion. An infusion of the flowers and leaves is diuretic and is used as a diabetes remedy. An infusion of the flowers is pectoral. A decoction of the plant is diuretic and laxative. It is used in the treatment of sore throats. An infusion of the seeds is diuretic. A flour made from the seeds is resolutive. Leaf contains cholesterol. The root bark contains numerous flavones including cajaflavanone and cajanone, and triterpenes. The root contains cajanone, an antimicrobial agent. An enzyme called 'urease' can be extracted from the plant. It has medicinal applications.

Known Hazards

None known