Botanical Name: Cajanus cajan
Some other names: Red gram, No-eye pea, Congo pea, Angola pea
How to Grow It
Pigeon pea is a multi-purpose perennial shrub that can grow 3–4 m tall and just as wide if you let it. It’s a member of the legume family (so it fixes nitrogen into the soil) and has a loose, airy habit with attractive green foliage and small yellow or reddish flowers that develop into pods.
Climate: It’s widely grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions but can also do well in warmer temperate zones if protected from heavy frost.
Sun & soil: Loves full sun and will grow in almost any soil — even poor, rocky ground. It’s one of the best plants for hard-to-grow spots.
Water & drought tolerance: Very drought tolerant once established. It will slow down in prolonged dry spells but rarely dies. In fact, overwatering is more of a risk than underwatering.
Planting season: In cooler areas, sow in spring after frost. In the tropics, you can plant pretty much any time of year.
Propagation: Easiest grown from seed — just collect dried pods, shell them, and pop the seeds straight in the soil. Seeds sprout easily in warm weather.
Maintenance: Almost none! Pigeon pea doesn’t need fertiliser (it makes its own nitrogen) and thrives on neglect. Occasional pruning will keep it bushy, and the cuttings make an excellent “chop-and-drop” mulch.
Containers: You can grow pigeon pea in a big pot or tub, but it prefers open ground where it can spread and form a mini thicket.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Pigeon peas are a nutritional powerhouse. The peas are high in protein (great for vegetarian and survival diets) and contain vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Why it’s good for your body:
- Protein builds muscle and helps repair the body.
- Potassium supports healthy blood pressure.
- Vitamin A boosts vision and immunity, while Vitamin C keeps your immune system strong.
Medicinally, pigeon peas have been used traditionally for:
- Supporting heart health and reducing blood pressure.
- Acting as a mild anti-inflammatory.
- Strengthening the immune system.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Leaf Poultice for Swelling & Cuts – Fresh leaves crushed, applied topically to reduce inflammation and aid healing.
Seed Decoction for Respiratory Relief – Boil seeds, strain and drink warm for coughs/bronchitis.
Leaf Extract Tea for Diabetes – Daily infusion of leaves consumed to support blood sugar regulation (traditional).
Root Extract Application – Genistein-rich root decoction applied to bedsore or wound healing .
Menstrual Tonic – Leaf decoction consumed on cyclic schedule traditionally to regulate periods.
Using It in the Kitchen
Pigeon peas are used all over the world, especially in India, Africa, and the Caribbean.
- Dried peas: Can be cooked like lentils or split peas. Once hulled, they’re known as toor dal in Indian cooking — a staple for curries and dals.
- Fresh green peas: Can be used like garden peas, lightly steamed or added to stews.
- Young leaves & shoots: Technically edible, but a bit chewy — best used sparingly in stews or as animal fodder instead.
Storage tip: Dried peas keep for years if stored in an airtight jar. Fresh peas are best used within a few days.
Simple recipe ideas:
– Simple Pigeon Pea Dal – Simmer split pigeon peas with turmeric, onion, garlic, and curry leaves for a comforting Indian-style dal.
– Caribbean Rice & Peas – Cook rice with coconut milk, garlic, thyme, and cooked pigeon peas for a classic island dish.
– Pigeon Pea Veggie Soup – Add dried or fresh peas to a chunky soup with carrots, celery, and sweet potato for a hearty meal.
– Spiced Pigeon Pea Patties – Mash cooked pigeon peas with herbs and spices, form into patties, and pan-fry.
– Fresh Pea Stir-Fry – Toss green pigeon peas into a quick garlic and ginger stir-fry for extra protein.
Other Uses
- Soil builder: Pigeon pea is a nitrogen fixer, meaning it enriches your soil for future crops.
- Mulch & “chop-and-drop”: Cut it back and spread the prunings around the garden — instant mulch that feeds the soil.
- Windbreak & shade: Can act as a living windbreak or “nurse plant” to protect smaller seedlings.
- Animal fodder: The leaves and stems are a good feed source for goats, sheep, and chickens.
Why it’s a survival plant:
Almost unkillable — grows in poor soil and harsh conditions.
Multiple uses — food, mulch, fodder, soil improver, and even shelter for other plants.
Nutritionally valuable — protein-rich peas are a lifesaver in a survival diet.
Pigeon pea is one of those plants every survival garden should have — it works for you, your animals, and your soil all at once.
