SafePlants

Groundnut: A Versatile Name for Several Plants

The term "groundnut" is used to refer to several different plants, primarily legumes, whose seeds or tubers ripen underground. This can lead to confusion, as the same name is applied to distinct species.

Considerations for Pets

• Several plants referred to as groundnut, such as Apios americana, are climbing vines. If grown in a home garden, pets may interact with the plant.

Considerations for Children

• Apios americana is often found in North America and has underground tubers. Children may consume it if encountered.

Common and Scientific Names

• Common Names: Groundnut, Peanut, Monkeynut, Earth Nut, Wild Bean, Indian Potato, Potato Bean, Congo Groundnut, Congo Goober, Madagascar Groundnut, Earth Pea
• Scientific Names:
  • Arachis hypogaea (Peanut)
  • Arachis villosulicarpa
  • Macrotyloma geocarpum (Hausa Groundnut)
  • Apios americana (also referred to as Apios tuberosa)
  • Vigna subterranea (Bambara Groundnut)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Many groundnuts belong to the Faboideae subfamily of the Leguminosae (Bean) family.
• Synonyms mentioned include Apios tuberosa for Apios americana.

Distribution and Habitat

• Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are widely grown in the tropics and subtropics.
• Apios americana is native to eastern North America.
• Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) grows in the semi-arid regions of Africa.

Ecological Role

• Bambara groundnut is noted for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.

Morphological Characteristics

• Apios americana is a climbing vine with compound leaves and fragrant brownish flowers.
• Peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea) are annual, herbaceous plants growing approximately 30-60 cm high. They have orange-veined, yellow-petaled, pea-like flowers.

Uses

• Groundnuts, particularly peanuts, are a crop of global importance, used both as a grain legume and an oil crop.
• Apios americana was a staple food for Native Americans.
• Groundnut oil is used in cooking.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• One individual mentioned contracting poison ivy while digging up Apios americana.

Quirky Facts

• Peanuts are unusual in that their flowers are borne above ground, but the pods develop underground.
• The term "groundnut" can also refer to "monkey nut" or "earth nut," highlighting the colloquial nature of the name.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia.com is referenced as a source of information about groundnuts.
• Amazon's Book Store sells "The Groundnut Cookbook."
• Shutterstock offers stock photos of groundnuts.