Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Thouars
Bibliography: G.-F.Cuvier, Dict. Sci. Nat. 6: 167 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cajanus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Comoros, W. Madagascar, India to S. China and N. Australia
Description
The Showy pigeonpea, scientifically named Cajanus scarabaeoides, is a captivating leguminous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This species was referenced in literature as far back as 1806 in G.-F. Cuvier’s Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles.
Renowned for its vibrant blossoms and hardy nature, the Showy pigeonpea thrives across a diverse geographical expanse. Its presence is well-documented in the Comoros archipelago, throughout the western regions of Madagascar, across the vast landscapes of India, extending to southern China, and stretching as far as northern Australia. This wide distribution reflects the plant’s adaptability to various climates and soil types.
Showy pigeonpea is generally recognized for its ecological benefits, including nitrogen fixation, which enriches the soil and promotes sustainable agriculture. Moreover, it serves as a vital resource for local wildlife, providing forage and habitat.
This plant not only contributes to the ecological balance but also holds potential in agricultural development owing to its resilience and the benefits it brings to the soil. Its vivid appearance and utility make it a significant species both environmentally and agriculturally.
Common Names
Eng: showy pigeonpea
En: Showy pigeonpea
Zh: 蔓草虫豆, 蔓蟲豆
Fr: Fausse Pistache Marronne
Zh-tw: 蔓草蟲豆
Th: ขี้หนอนเถา
Synonyms
- Cantharospermum scarabaeoideum (Baill.)
- Stizolobium scarabaeoides ((L.) Spreng.)
- Atylosia scarabaeoides ((L.) Benth.)
- Rhynchosia scarabaeoides ((L.) DC.)
- Atylosia scarabaeoides var. typica (Domin)
- Cantharospermum scarabaeoides ((L.) Koord.)
- Dolichos scarabaeoides (L.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Comoros (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South China Sea (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Benin (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Ghana (introduced)
- Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
- Ivory Coast (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Mali (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- Nigeria (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Senegal (introduced)
- Sierra Leone (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Augustin Soulard (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Augustin Soulard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Dr SAURABH SACHAN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2020 by prithvijit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2013 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 17, 2020 by prithvijit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2013 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2013 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 28, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 28, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 28, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 28, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 2013 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2960284)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:118241-3)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars)
- WFO (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub