Contents
Description
Amphicarpaea is a genus of plants belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. The genus consists of two species known as American hog peanut and hog peanut. These plants are native to North America and are primarily found in the eastern and central regions. American hog peanut is found in the eastern part of North America, while hog peanut is found in the central part of the continent.Both species of Amphicarpaea are herbaceous vines that can grow up to 6 feet long. They produce a small, edible nut that is eaten by wildlife and humans. The plant is primarily used as a ground cover and can also be grown on trellises or fences.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Amphicarpaea |
Appearance
Amphicarpaea plants have trifoliate leaves with leaflets that are 1-3 inches long. They produce small, white, or pinkish flowers that bloom from July to September. The fruit is a small, edible nut that is enclosed in a pod.The plant is a vine that can grow up to 6 feet long and has a spreading habit. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Care Guide
Amphicarpaea plants require moderate watering and should be watered once a week. They prefer well-draining soil and can be fertilized once a month during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amphicarpaea plants are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. They can also be affected by pests such as spider mites and aphids. It is recommended to use a fungicide or insecticide to control these issues.
Habitat
Amphicarpaea plants are native to North America and are primarily found in the eastern and central regions. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and prairies.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the primary use of Amphicarpaea plants?
A: Amphicarpaea plants are primarily used as a ground cover.
Q: Are Amphicarpaea plants edible?
A: Yes, the small nut produced by Amphicarpaea plants is edible and consumed by wildlife and humans.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Amphicarpaea plants?
A: Amphicarpaea plants are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. They can also be affected by pests such as spider mites and aphids.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Amphicarpaea plants?
A: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in hardiness zones 3-9.
Related Plants
- Pueraria
- Glycine
- Crotalaria
- Phaseolus
References
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AMPHI
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/amphicarpaea_americana.shtml
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a464
