What Do Peanut Plants Look Like
Unique Appearance of Fascinating Peanut Plants
Peanut plants, known scientifically as Arachis hypogaea, are fascinating leguminous plants that have a unique appearance. These plants are annual herbs that typically grow close to the ground, reaching an average height of approximately one to two feet. The stems of peanut plants are thin, woody, and delicate. They have a shallow root system, with most of the roots concentrated in the top 10-20 inches of soil.
Peanut plant boasts vibrant green foliage
The leaves of a peanut plant are compound and composed of four leaflets arranged in pairs. Each leaflet is oval-shaped and has a smooth surface with a glossy texture. The color of the leaves varies depending on the cultivar and the environmental conditions, but it is generally a vibrant green. The leaflets attach to a central stem, and as the plant grows, numerous leaves emerge, creating a lush canopy of green foliage.
Vibrant yellow flowers adorn peanut plants
Peanut plants also produce attractive yellow flowers. These flowers have a butterfly-like shape and are around an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. They have a yellow central disc with five symmetrical petals that can range in color from yellow to orange. The flowers grow in clusters, typically towards the top of the plant, and give a burst of color to the otherwise green canopy.
Unique peanut plants produce subterranean fruits
One of the most distinguishing features of peanut plants is the way they produce their fruits. The flowers, once pollinated, develop pegs that elongate and bend under the soil’s surface. Each peg found on the plant forms a protective sheath around a developing peanut. The peanut pods mature underground, and when ready for harvest, farmers uproot the entire plant and let it dry before separating the peanut pods from the main root system. Overall, peanut plants exhibit a unique combination of low growth, compound leaves, yellow flowers, and subterranean fruit development.
