Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., syn. Cajanus
indicus) is a member of the Fabaceae family and
has many wild relatives. These include Cajanus
scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars, C. sericeus (Benth. ex
Baker) Maesen, C. acutifolius (F. Muell.) Maesen,
C. albicans (Wight & Arn.) Maesen, Rhynchosia
aurea, R. bracteata Benth. ex Bak and Flemingia
bracteata (Roxb.) Wight (van der Maesen 1985). The
pigeonpea plant is an erect annual or short-lived
perennial reaching a height of 1β3 m. Because the coarse bush is deeply rooted, it has wide
adaptability and grows well in semi-arid areas. It has slender, pointed trifoliate leaves and
yellow or yellow and red flowers. Pods are green and pointed with some reddish mottling.
Several pods are produced in clusters on an upright stem