Contents
Description
Arachis, also known as the peanut plant, belongs to the legume family and is native to South America. It is an annual plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, with four leaflets. Arachis produces flowers that are self-pollinating and have a yellow color. The fruit of the plant is a pod that contains one to four seeds, which we commonly refer to as peanuts. Arachis is an important crop plant for human and animal consumption.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Arachis |
Appearance
Arachis has an upright growth habit and produces branching stems. The leaves are dark green and have a smooth texture. The flowers are small and yellow and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a pod that can be up to 7 cm long and contains one to four seeds, which are the peanuts. The seeds are oval-shaped and have a brown skin.
Care Guide
Water
Arachis requires consistent moisture in the soil to grow properly. It is essential to water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization
Arachis requires regular fertilization to grow well. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. The plant should be fertilized every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Soil
Arachis prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It is important to ensure that the soil is loose and friable to promote root development.
Sunlight
Arachis requires full sunlight to grow properly. It is essential to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Arachis is a warm-season crop that is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pests
The most common pests that affect Arachis are aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases
Arachis is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and rust. These diseases can be prevented by practicing good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Arachis is native to South America and is now widely cultivated in warm climates around the world. It is grown as an annual crop and requires warm temperatures and consistent moisture to grow properly.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the nutritional value of peanuts?
A: Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, folate, and magnesium.
Q: Can Arachis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Arachis can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the root system. A container with a diameter of at least 18 inches is recommended.
Q: How long does it take for Arachis to mature?
A: Arachis takes about 120 to 150 days to mature from seed to harvest.
Q: Can Arachis be grown in cold climates?
A: No, Arachis is a warm-season crop that requires warm temperatures and consistent moisture to grow properly. It is not recommended to grow Arachis in cold climates.
Related Plants
- Lupinus
- Vigna
- Glycine
- Pisum
References
- “Arachis hypogaea – Peanut.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286494. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
- “Growing Peanuts in the Home Garden.” University of Georgia Extension, extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C901. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
- “Peanut Production.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/browse/featured-solutions/agronomy/peanut-production/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
