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groundnut
Scientific Name: Apios americana
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Groundnut: A Multifaceted Name in the Plant World
The term "groundnut" encompasses several different plants, most notably the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Apios americana, also known as wild bean or potato bean. Because of this varied usage, it's important to understand the specific plant being referenced.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Peanut/Groundnut: Arachis hypogaea, belonging to the Faboideae subfamily (legumes).
- Wild Bean/Groundnut: Apios americana (syn. A. tuberosa), a member of the pea family (Leguminosae).
- Other Plants Called Groundnut: Arachis villosulicarpa, Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), Hausa groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum).
Distribution and Habitat
- Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Widely grown in the tropics and subtropics. Believed to have originated in South America.
- Wild Bean (Apios americana): Native to eastern North America.
- Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea): Grows in the semi-arid regions of Africa.
Considerations for Pets
- Some plants referred to as groundnuts, such as Apios americana, are climbing vines. The twining habit may present a potential hazard for small pets.
Considerations for Children
- Some plants referred to as groundnuts, such as Apios americana, are climbing vines. The twining habit may present a potential hazard for children.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): An annual, herbaceous plant. The orange-veined, yellow-petaled, pea-like flower is borne in.
- Wild Bean (Apios americana): A climbing vine with compound leaves and clusters of fragrant brownish flowers. It yields edible tubers.
- Groundnut plants are approximately 30-60 cm high.
Ecological Role
- Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) has the ability to fix nitrogen.
Quirky Facts
- The peanut is classified as both a grain legume and an oil crop due to its high oil content.
- Groundnuts were a staple food for Native Americans, who taught the colonists how to use them.
Uses
- Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): A crop of global importance, used as both a grain legume and an oil crop.
- Wild Bean (Apios americana): Tubers are edible.
- Groundnuts, in general, are very nutritious and used in every form.
Additional Information
- Refer to Encyclopedia.com for facts and information about groundnuts.
- Consider consulting relevant agricultural databases and institutions for specific details on each type of groundnut.