Contents
Description
Psoralea Hypogaea, commonly known as the groundnut or wild peanut, is a leguminous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and can grow up to 30cm tall. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom from June to October. The fruit is a small, ovoid, indehiscent legume that contains a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Psoralea |
Appearance
The Psoralea Hypogaea plant has a woody stem with branched, hairy stems. The leaves are trifoliate and alternate, with leaflets that are ovate to oblong in shape. The flowers are small, yellow, and pea-like, with a typical legume structure. The fruit is a small, ovoid legume that contains a single seed. The plant is typically small and compact, with a maximum height of 30cm.
Care Guide
The Psoralea Hypogaea plant requires well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Fertilization is not necessary but can be done once a year with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy and can tolerate dry conditions, making it easy to care for. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Psoralea Hypogaea plant is susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases, which can be prevented by using well-draining soil and avoiding over-watering. Pests such as aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Psoralea Hypogaea plant is native to South Africa and can be found in the Cape Floristic Region. It prefers sandy or gravelly soils and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant is well-suited for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Psoralea Hypogaea be grown indoors?
A: No, the plant requires full sun exposure and is best suited for outdoor growing.
Q: Is Psoralea Hypogaea toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the plant is toxic to pets.
Q: How often should Psoralea Hypogaea be fertilized?
A: The plant only requires fertilization once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the typical height of Psoralea Hypogaea?
A: The plant can grow up to 30cm tall.
Related Plants
- Psoralea Pinnata
- Psoralea Angustifolia
- Psoralea Corylifolia
- Psoralea Esculenta
References
- https://www.sanbi.org/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/psoralea/psoralea-plant.htm
- https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/psoraleahypogaea.htm
