Contents
Description
Cajanus Cajan, commonly known as Pigeon Pea or Red Gram, is a highly nutritious and versatile plant that belongs to the legume family. The plant is native to India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. The Pigeon Pea plant is an important crop for farmers as it provides food for humans and livestock, fixes nitrogen in the soil, and controls soil erosion.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Cajanus |
Appearance
The Pigeon Pea plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and has a sturdy trunk with grayish-brown bark. The leaves are green, long, and pinnate, with 3-4 pairs of oblong leaflets. The flowers are yellow, pink, or purplish, and are arranged in clusters on the stem. The pods are long, narrow, and cylindrical, with a pointed tip, and contain 2-9 seeds each. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and range in color from cream to brown.
Care Guide
The Pigeon Pea plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages.
- Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, to the soil to enhance growth and yield.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and yield.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pigeon Pea plant is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Pests: Aphids, thrips, mites, and pod borers can damage the plant and reduce yield.
- Diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can affect the plant’s health and yield.
Habitat
The Pigeon Pea plant is native to India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. The plant thrives in warm and humid climates and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The plant can also tolerate drought conditions and is often grown as a rain-fed crop.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of consuming Pigeon Pea seeds?
A: Pigeon Pea seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Consuming Pigeon Pea seeds can help lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
Q: How long does it take for the Pigeon Pea plant to mature?
A: The Pigeon Pea plant takes around 4-6 months to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Q: How do you harvest Pigeon Pea pods?
A: Pigeon Pea pods can be harvested when they are fully mature and dry. The pods should be removed from the plant and allowed to dry in the sun for a few days. The seeds can then be extracted from the pods and stored for later use.
Q: How can you control pests and diseases in Pigeon Pea plants?
A: To control pests and diseases, you can use organic pesticides, such as neem oil or garlic spray, or biological control methods, such as releasing beneficial insects or using disease-resistant varieties.
Related Plants
- Cajanus cajanifolius
- Cajanus platycarpus
- Cajanus scarabaeoides
- Cajanus sericeus
References
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. [online] Available at: http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/gbase/data/pf000332.htm [Accessed 27 Apr. 2021].
- National Institute of Nutrition (India). (2019). Nutritive Value of Indian Foods. [online] Available at: https://www.nin.res.in/downloads/NutritiveValueofIndianFoods.pdf [Accessed 27 Apr. 2021].
- USDA. (2021). Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. [online] Available at: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CACA12 [Accessed 27 Apr. 2021].
