SafePlants

Pinto Peanut (Arachis pintoi)

Pinto Peanut, scientifically known as Arachis pintoi, is a versatile perennial legume recognized for its ground cover capabilities and use in pastures. Originating from Brazil, it has become widespread throughout tropical regions.

Considerations for Pets

• As a low-growing mat, pets might be attracted to play or forage within the Pinto Peanut ground cover.

Common Names

• Pinto Peanut
• Yellow Peanut Plant
• Man forrajero perenne, man perenne (Spanish)
• Amendoim forrageiro (Portuguese)
• Kacang pinto (Indonesia)
• Thua lisong tao (Thailand)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arachis pintoi Krapov. &amp W.C. Greg.
• Family: Legume
• Synonyms: The plant is also referred to as Pinto peanut Portuguese common name: Amendoim-forrageiro

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Cerrado vegetation in Brazil, specifically the valleys.
• Now widespread in tropical areas.

Ecological Role

• Can be invasive in certain environments.
• Used for soil improvement and nitrogen fixation.

Morphological Characteristics

• Low-growing, perennial legume forming a thick mat, typically 20-30 cm deep.
• Creeping habit with stoloniferous stems that root at the joints.
• Bright yellow flowers.
• Develops a strong taproot.
• Leaves with four leaflets.

Cultivation

• Sow seeds directly where it is to grow, covering them well to a depth of 2-3 cm.
• Can also be propagated readily from cuttings.
• Grows best under irrigation or in areas with high rainfall (exceeding 1,500 mm annually), but can survive in areas of lower rainfall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Guinea Fowls have been observed foraging through Pinto Peanut ground cover.
• Pinto peanut is inoculated with a specific inoculant, usually CIAT 3101.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• ResearchGate
• Wikimedia Commons