It is the major pulse crop of the semiarid tropics, has been used for centuries in intercropping systems, and is an ideal source of fodder, food and firewood in agroforestry systems. 5 m. Pigeonpea probably evolved in South Asia and appeared about 2000 BC in West Africa, which is considered a second major center of origin.
Leaves are trifoliate and spirally arranged on the stem.
Cajanus is now recognized as having 32 species. Pigeonpea is hardy, widely adaptable, and more tolerant of drought and high temperatures than most other crops. It grows on acid sands in the Sahel and alkali clays in India. Frost or excessive soil salinity are not tolerated. Various cultivars are grown from sea level to 3,000 in.