Cowpeas are typically climbing or trailing vines that bear compound leaves with three leaflets. The white, purple, or pale-yellow flowers usually grow in pairs or threes at the ends of long stalks. The pods are long and cylindrical and can grow 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) long, depending on the cultivar. The plants are heat-adapted and drought-tolerant.

Nutritive value
Protein - 22 - 24%
Carbohydrate - 55 - 66 %
Iron - 0.005%
Calcium - 0.08 – 0.11 %
Essential amino acids (lysine, leucine and phenylalanine)