Arachis hypogaea

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Arachis hypogaea (pronunciation: /əˈrækɪs ˌhaɪpoʊˈdʒiːə/), commonly known as the peanut, is a species in the legume or "bean" family (Fabaceae). The plant is native to South America and has been widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Etymology

The genus name Arachis is derived from the Greek word 'arachne', meaning spider, in reference to the plant's growth habit. The species name hypogaea comes from the Greek words 'hypo', meaning under, and 'gaea', meaning earth, referring to the plant's unique characteristic of developing its fruit underground.

Description

The Arachis hypogaea plant is an annual herbaceous plant growing 30 to 50 cm (1.0 to 1.6 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, pinnate with four leaflets, each leaflet 1 to 7 cm (⅜ to 2¾ in) long and 1 to 3 cm (⅜ to 1 in) broad. The flowers are a typical peaflower in shape, 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) across, yellow with reddish veining.

Cultivation and uses

Arachis hypogaea is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in a hard, woody shell. These seeds, or peanuts, are a significant source of oil and protein. They are also used in cooking, for making peanut butter, and in the production of a variety of food and industrial products.

Related terms

  • Fabaceae: The legume family, to which Arachis hypogaea belongs.
  • Legume: A type of plant including beans and peas, characterized by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules.
  • Peanut: The common name for Arachis hypogaea and its edible seed.
  • Peanut butter: A food paste made primarily from ground dry roasted peanuts.

External links

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