Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (Fabaceae)
- Scientific name
- Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.
- Family name
- Fabaceae (Syn. Leguminosae)
- Common name
- Pigeon pea (English); kimame (Japanese)
- Local name
- Thua ma hae
Erect short-lived shrublet, up to 2.5 m tall, many-branched. Leaves pinnately 3-foliolate, subpersistent stipules; leaflets lanceolate, entire, acute at both ends. Inflorescence terminal and axillary panicle of racemes; bracts caducous. Flowers yellow or purplish red. Calyx campanulate. Corolla with 5 lobes, acute; 2 upper lobes united into a 2-toothed labellum; lower labellum much smaller. Stamen diadelphous; anthers uniform. Ovary subsessile, with 4–7 ovules. Fruit a linear and flat pod, broad, hairy, oblique-acute, beaked, compressed, 2-valved, with depressed transverse lines between seeds. Seeds brown, variable in size, shape, and colour.
Occasionally grown in home gardens. Prefers open shade and well-drained, loamy soil. Propagated by direct seeding in the field at the start of the rainy season.
Young pods are harvested towards the end of the rainy season and added to curries, nam phrik (dipping sauces) , and side dishes.
Young pods are harvested towards the end of the rainy season and added to curries, nam phrik (dipping sauces) , and side dishes.