Family: Fabaceae

Vigna vexillata, commonly known as the zombi pea or wild cowpea, is a leguminous plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is a versatile species valued for its edible tubers, seeds, and forage, and it has potential uses in soil improvement due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities. The plant is cultivated in some areas for food and fodder, while its tubers are particularly appreciated for their nutritional content.

Despite its beneficial uses, Vigna vexillata can exhibit weedy or invasive tendencies. It is a fast-growing, climbing vine with a robust root system and prolific seed production, allowing it to spread rapidly in favorable conditions. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments, including degraded or nutrient-poor soils, increases its potential to outcompete native vegetation and establish in non-native areas, especially where natural control mechanisms are lacking. These characteristics make it both a valuable resource and a potential ecological concern in regions where it is introduced. In the Hawaiian Islands, it is currently reported to be naturalized on Kauai and Hawaii island.

High Risk Traits:

• A domesticated crop with weedy and naturalized forms
  
• Broad climate suitability, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows and persists in regions with tropical climates
  
• Reported to be naturalized on Kauai, and Hawaii islands
  
• Weedy, or wild forms may invade disturbed habitats and could impact crops
  
• Other Vigna species are weedy or invasive
  
• Can grow in moderate shade (but prefers full sun)
  
• Climbing, and potentially smothering habit
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• A functional geophyte (with tuberous roots that allow it to persist in unfavorable conditions)
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Self-pollinated
  
• Rapidly reaches maturity from seed (3-4+ months)
  
• Seeds dispersed by dehiscent pods (wild types), by water, possibly through ingestion by livestock, and through intentional cultivation
  
• Quickly resprouts from rhizomes and/or tuberous roots after frost, drought or fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Domesticated plants with reduced dispersibility and seed longevity may reduce invasion risk
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Herbicides reported to provide effective control