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Vigna unguiculata

Species category

Vegetable

Common name

cowpea, black-eyed pea, southern pea

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Oblong to rhombic to reniform (kidney-shaped)

Size

  • Length 5.5–9 mm
  • Width 4.5–5.5 mm
  • Thickness 4.5–5.5 mm

Color

White with black area around hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).

Texture

Smooth and slightly wrinkled

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 depressed and obscured by a whitish corky tissue.

Identification notes

Entire hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is depressed and obscured by a whitish corky tissue, which is elevated above the surface of the seed.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Vigna unguiculata. True seed with a depressed hilum that's obscured by whitish corky tissue. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Vigna unguiculata. True seed with a depressed hilum that's obscured by whitish corky tissue. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.