290 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



PIGEON PEA (Cajanus indicus) 



There are several varieties of this tropical legume. 

 It may grow for several years, forming a tall woody shrub ; 

 but is perhaps best cultivated as an annual. It is half- 

 hardy, grows vigorously even if neglected, and yields 

 a heavy crop. Its unripe peas are eaten in tropical 

 countries to replace English peas, to which they are 

 not so much inferior. It seems a promising plant to 

 use as a starting point for improvement as a tropical 

 garden pea. 



SWORD BEANS AND JACK BEANS 



Some kinds of this tropical legume are worth cultivating. 

 One (C. gladiata) is a perennial climber in India, where it is 

 said to be the finest of all the native vegetables. The 

 young pods, sliced and boiled, are little if anything in- 

 ferior to French beans, and are extensively used by 

 Europeans in India. The young pods of the Jack bean, 

 when less than six inches long, are used as string beans, 

 in Japan, Demerara, and elsewhere. 



CHINESE CABBAGE (Brossica Pe-tsai) 



This relative of the cabbage has been recommended as 

 a substitute for the latter in hot climates. In Louisiana it 

 is used in salads instead of the cabbage, and somewhat 

 resembles a large lettuce. In two or three months, 

 plants have been obtained weighing more than six pounds. 

 It may be grown in tropical countries, especially on the 

 mountains, and is much cultivated in Indo-China. 



