Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
unguiculata
ID:
190057

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Walp.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1843

Citation Micro:
Repert. Bot. Syst.1: 779 (1843)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000189386

Common Names

  • Cowpea
  • Vigna Unguiculata
  • Black-eyed Pea

Searching for Vigna unguiculata? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Vigna sinensis (L.) Savi ex Hausskn. [deprecated]
  • Vigna sinensis sinensis [unknown]
  • Dolichos unguiculatus L. [valid]
  • Vigna brachycalyx Baker f. [deprecated]
  • Vigna catjiang (Burm.f.) Walp. [unknown]
  • Dolichos melanophtalmus DC. [unknown]
  • Phaseolus unguiculatus (L.) Piper [illegitimate]
  • Vigna unguiculata catjang (Burm.f.) H.Ohashi [unknown]
  • Vigna catjang Savi [unknown]
  • Dolichos unguiculata L. [unknown]
  • Dolichos catiang L. [unknown]
  • Vigna unguiculata unguiculata [unknown]
  • Vigna sinensis spontea Schweinf. [unknown]
  • Vigna unguiculata typica Bertoni [invalid]

Description

Vigna unguiculata (also called Cowpea, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to the tropics. It has trifoliate leaves and small, white flowers. It typically grows in disturbed soils and is widely cultivated for its edible beans.

Uses & Benefits

Vigna unguiculata is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fatigue, weakness, and digestive issues. It is also used to boost the immune system and to treat respiratory conditions.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Vigna unguiculata sub. dekindtiana (Harms) Verdc.
Vigna unguiculata sub. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.
Vigna unguiculata sub. stenophylla (Harv.) Maréchal, Mascherpa & Stainier
Vigna unguiculata sub. tenuis (E.Mey.) Marechal & al.
Vigna unguiculata sub. unguiculata
Vigna unguiculata sub. letouzeyi Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. aduensis Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. alba (G.Don) Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. baoulensis (A.Chev.) Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. burundiensis Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. pawekiae Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. pubescens (R.Wilczek) Pasquet
Vigna unguiculata sub. tenuis (E.Mey.) Maréchal, Mascherpa & Stainier
Vigna unguiculata sub. mensensis (Schweinf.) Verdc.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Vigna unguiculata has small, white flowers. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are small and have a tuft of hairs at the tip of the stem.

Searching for Vigna unguiculata? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Vigna unguiculata is a perennial plant that grows in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. Propagation is by seed or division of the root clump. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a sunny location in well-drained soil. Division of the root clump should be done in early spring or late fall.

Where to Find Vigna unguiculata

Vigna unguiculata is native to the western United States and can be found in dry, rocky areas. It is most commonly found in the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountain regions.

Vigna unguiculata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Vigna unguiculata?

Vigna unguiculata

What is the common name of Vigna unguiculata?

Cowpea

Where is Vigna unguiculata native to?

Africa

Species in the Vigna genus

Vigna lasiocarpa, Vigna halophila, Vigna nyangensis, Vigna radiata, Vigna marina, Vigna glabrescens, Vigna aconitifolia, Vigna ambacensis, Vigna pubigera, Vigna angularis, Vigna antunesii, Vigna bequaertii, Vigna comosa, Vigna debanensis, Vigna lanceolata, Vigna dolomitica, Vigna filicaulis, Vigna fischeri, Vigna friesiorum, Vigna frutescens, Vigna gazensis, Vigna gracilis, Vigna haumaniana, Vigna heterophylla, Vigna hosei, Vigna jaegeri, Vigna juncea, Vigna juruana, Vigna kirkii, Vigna laurentii, Vigna lobatifolia, Vigna longifolia, Vigna longissima, Vigna luteola, Vigna membranacea, Vigna mendesii, Vigna mildbraedii, Vigna monophylla, Vigna multinervis, Vigna mungo, Vigna nervosa, Vigna nigritia, Vigna nuda, Vigna oblongifolia, Vigna parkeri, Vigna phoenix, Vigna platyloba, Vigna procera, Vigna pygmaea, Vigna radicans,

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Wilhelm Gerhard Walpers (1816-1853): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Walp.' in the authors string.