Wild Cowpea
Zombi-Pea

Vigna vexillata

flower of Wild Cow Pea, Vigna vexillata, Kenya, photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed growing within a thorny shrub on overgrazed pasture near Eldoret, Kenya. December 2012.

FLOWERS: Large pea flower pink to purple. The keel is twisted to one side and cupped on one side.

VINE: Mostly herbaceous vine from a woody base.

LEAVES: Leaves are compound with three leaflets. Leaflets have smooth margins and surface is pubescent. The leaflets may be narrow to elliptic.

RANGE: This native vine is widely distributed in the tropics around the world.

FRUIT: The bean pods are covered with brown, bristly hairs.

UNARMED.

Compound leaf of Wild Cow Pea, Vigna vexillata, Kenya, photo © by Michael Plagens

Fabaceae -- Bean Family -- Paplionoideae - Typical Bean Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, Created on 5 May 2013,
updated 24 June 2014