Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth

Kacang gude (Cajanus cajan) is a shrub up to 4 meters tall of the Fabaceae family, originating from India, spreading to Africa around 2,000 years BCE and later to America brought by slaves. Its pods and seeds are an important food source in India and Southeast Asia, even used as a soybean substitute for tempeh. Kacang gude is also traditionally believed to help address hepatitis, diabetes, and wounds.

Generally found in tropical regions from lowlands up to elevations of 1,500 m above sea level, temperature 20-30 °C, rainfall 500-1,000 mm/year. Does not like very acidic soil, grows well in a soil pH range of 5.5-6.5. Drought-tolerant and prefers full sunlight.

• Roots taproot, has rhizobium.
• Stem woody, round, grooved, hairy, greenish-brown.
• Leaves trifoliate, arranged spirally on the stem, lobed at the top, small stipules, oval, hairy.
• Flowers compound, butterfly-shaped, petals and pollen yellow in color, one pistil, small flower cluster, growing at the shoot tip or leaf axils.
• Fruit a straight flat pod or crescent-shaped, 4-10 cm long, containing 2-9 seeds, green in color.
• Seeds round or oval, colors vary namely grayish-white, red, brown, purplish.

Propagated generatively (by seed). Seeds can germinate 2-3 weeks after being sown.

Flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, anthocyanins, cajanin, anthraquinone glucoside, genistein, longistylin.

Treats wounds, hepatitis, dysentery, diabetes, ringworm, shingles, cough, diarrhea, stomach disorders, canker sores, jaundice, worm infections, bruises, itching, malaria, liver damage from alcohol, has anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity.

Ritik lias (Batak, Karo), Koro gude (Java), Binatung (Makassar), Kacang hiris (Sunda), Kance (Bugis), Undis (Bali), Kacang kaju (Madura).