Cajanus scarabaeoides is a wild relative of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan). It is the closest related species and they can be easily crossed.
According to available studies Cajanus scarabaeoides is more drought tolerant. It may have cold tolerance also (it grows in both tropic and temperate regions of Asia).
It is supposed to be higher protein, produces crop faster, and has more beans per pod.
The only downside is that it has lower sugar content.
I would love to have this species to grow and cross with pigeon peas, but I cannot find any seed available anywhere.
Does anyone know where I may find a seed source? Anyone have experience growing this species?
I could only find one source for these seeds: ICRISAT. (Set the filter to “Cajanus scarabaeoides”.)
You are required to agree to a legally binding contract if you request seeds from this source. You also might be required to make payments to the “Governing Body” if you offer the requested seeds, or their genetic derivatives, for sale.
Interesting. Looks like that one is a true climbing vine. I’ll have to see what else I can find out about that species, and if it is fully edible or not.
That’s AWESOME! because it measures how crossable Cajanus species are. It means the Cajanus species closer to Cajanus cajan are fully crossable too! The C. scarabaeoides is both in the Wild-Australian & Scarabaeoides Clade (Very interesting, why is that? Mis-ID species or have they already crossed before?). Reguardless, Knowing that means that potentially all Cajanus species are Cross-Compatible! Without any Subgenus or Hybridization Barriers to worry about.
What’s also interesting is the Genus Dunbaria is closely related to Cajanus? Wikipedia says some Dunbaria species make edible tubers? I haven’t looked into this yet.
To find Cajanus scarabaeoides, looks like your gonna have to know or trade with Foragers/Gardeners from India, China, Thailand, Australia according to the Inaturalist map.
I’ve never found Cajanus scarabaeoides beans sold in the Indian or Chinese/Korean International Grocery Stores. Maybe there are some Indian or Chinese Seed Stores that have them? Idk, but you’ve got my interest in finding these seeds too! Along with other useful Cajanus species! It’s a really big Genus with untapped Potential, so lots of Breeding & Crop Improvement open!
OOOH!? How does that company work? Do they actually source seeds from all kinds of suppliers like wild plant foragers? And you could just make a request until they find a supplier? How interesting…
Yeah they are a great company and offer many difficult to find species.
I order from them often, they offer bulk quantities so usually have the best prices available.
They also list the country (or state if it was in the U.S.) where the seeds were sourced.
