United States Department of Agriculture

Ag History of Pigeon Peas

The place of origin of pigeon peas has been the subject of much speculation. Alphonne de Cadolie considered it native to tropical Africa, from Zanzibar to Guinea. Remains discovered in tombs testify to pigeon pea culture in Egypt between 2,200 and 2,400 B.C. It is assumed they were carried by traders to India or Ceylon. Sir Joseph Hooker, in his Flora of British India (1872 - 1897) reported it as cultivated up to elevations of 2,000 meters in the Himalayas.

SOURCE:PIGEONPEAS (CAJANUS CAJAN MILLISP): A VALUABLE CROP OF THE TROPICS, DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY AND SOILS, UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MAYAGUEZ CAMPUS.