The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is an annual legume grown globally for its highly nutritious seeds, commonly known as garbanzo beans. As a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), the plant develops over a single growing season. It is valued for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which benefits soil health. Understanding the chickpea plant’s specific physical characteristics provides a clear picture of this important crop.
The Distinctive Growth Habit
The chickpea plant generally ranges in height from 20 to 100 centimeters. Its overall appearance is often described as bushy due to its highly branched nature. The plant’s growth habit can vary significantly, presenting as erect, semi-erect, or spreading, depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.
The stem structure is a defining feature, with primary branching usually starting low near the base of the plant. The lower parts of the stem often become woody, while the upper sections are densely covered in fine hairs. The growth is largely indeterminate, meaning the plant continues to produce new vegetative growth, such as leaves and branches, even after it begins to flower and set pods. This simultaneous development of leaves, flowers, and pods along a single branch is characteristic of the species.
Detailed Look at Leaves and Flowers
The foliage of the chickpea plant consists of compound and pinnate leaves. These leaves are divided into multiple smaller leaflets arranged along a central stalk. Each leaf generally consists of 10 to 16 serrated leaflets, which may fold slightly under dry conditions to conserve moisture.
A distinguishing feature is the dense covering of glandular hairs, or trichomes, found on the leaves, stems, and pods. These hairs secrete a highly acidic exudate composed mainly of malic, oxalic, and citric acids. This secretion gives the plant a slightly sour taste and helps defend it against certain pests and insects.
The flowers of the chickpea are small, single, and pea-like, arising from the axils of the leaves on a jointed stalk. They exhibit a range of colors, including white, pink, blue, or violet. The specific color often correlates to the seed type; for example, the Kabuli type, which produces large, beige seeds, typically has white flowers, while the Desi type can have purple or pink flowers.
The Development of the Chickpea Pod
The flower gives way to the chickpea pod, which is the fruit containing the seeds. The developing pod is relatively small, short, and oblong. Like the rest of the plant, the outer surface of the pod is covered in the same fine, acidic-secreting hairs.
The pod most commonly contains either one or two chickpeas. In some varieties, a pod may occasionally hold up to three seeds. As the pod matures, it changes color, starting as green and progressively turning a yellow or light golden-brown hue as it dries out. The seeds inside also transition from being soft and green to firm and fully developed, ready for collection.