Vigna unguiculata, also known as cowpea, is a legume widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions due to its nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. There are several synonyms for Vigna unguiculata, including black-eyed pea, southern pea, China bean, crowder pea, and field pea, among others. The variations in names often reflect differences in the color, shape, size, or culinary use of the different cultivars of cowpea. Regardless of the name, Vigna unguiculata is a valuable crop that provides important protein, fibers, and minerals to human diets and contributes to sustainable food production systems.