Arachis hypogaea, commonly known as Peanut Plant or Peanut Plant, is a unique plant that produces flowers above ground, but its fruits, peanuts, grow underground, a phenomenon known as geocarpy. This interesting aspect makes peanuts a botanical curiosity and a popular subject of study in agriculture. With this characteristic in mind, the botanist Carl Linnaeus gave peanuts the specific name hypogaea, which means "under the ground".
Peanuts belong to the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) botanical family, commonly known as the legume, bean or pea family. Like most other legumes, peanuts host symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. The ability to fix nitrogen means that peanuts require less nitrogen-containing fertilizer and improve soil fertility, being valuable in crop rotations.
Peanuts are appreciated for their high content of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins from the B complex and essential minerals, being a nutritious snack and a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. The plant needs a warm climate and well-drained soil to thrive, preferring regions with long, hot summers.
In gardening, Arachis hypogaea can be grown as an interesting and educational addition, providing home gardens with not only useful fruit, but also the opportunity to observe a fascinating growth cycle. This plant is relatively easy to grow and can be a satisfactory source of its own harvest, adding value and diversity.
Height with pots included: approx. 20 cm
Pot diameter: 12 cm