The plant that I bring you this time, is another of the plants that I did not know, or at least I had not noticed its existence, I discovered it in my sister's garden. When I asked for its name, she told me that it was called Garden Peanut, later when I investigated, I discovered that other common names are Fodder Peanut, Pinto Peanut and Pico Bonito. Now, if we talk in scientific terms, we will find that the name by which it is identified is Arachis Pintoi.

My sister has it as a ground cover in her garden, that also caught my attention. When I asked her why they used it instead of the more common ones, she told me that it was because its improved soil conditions. He was right, when I investigated, I discovered that it is a very beneficial plant, since it contributes to the improvement and conservation of the soil, on the one hand, by covering it very well it prevents erosion and helps to control weeds. On the other hand, being a perennial legume, it favors the fixation of nitrogen to the soil, thus helping to increase the fertility of the soil where it grows.

This herb is native to Brazil, but because it has the ability to adapt to any climate, it has managed to spread throughout much of South America. In addition, it is not at all demanding in terms of care, mainly requires enough sun to maintain its intense color in leaves and flowers. However, thanks to its great adaptive capacity, it can get used to and develop quite well in the shade if necessary. It is even so resistant that it can withstand long periods of drought, and when the rains come it can withstand flooding, but only for short periods. However, in ideal conditions it is best to water it 2 to 3 times a week.

Curiously, it has the peculiarity of developing initially with erect stems, then as it grows it becomes creeping, reaching up to 50 cm long. Another detail about its stems is its stoloniferous behavior, that is to say, they have nodules that develop roots. This allows it to adhere to the soil when it comes in contact with it, and form new plants, expanding more quickly. It has compound leaves located alternately in an intense green, are made up of three oval-shaped leaves and whose dimensions can reach approximately 5 cm. long by 3.5 cm. wide.

Lately, this plant has become very popular in the ornamental field, to be used as a lawn, or even as a pot plant. Its low maintenance and cost, together with its resistance and easy propagation, has allowed it to be called Garden Peanut, but the main reason is its showy inflorescences. Its small and showy flowers with yellow petals reach a maximum of approximately 5 cm. and stand out beautifully against its radiant deep green leaves. But that's not all, it also has the advantage that its prolific flowering starts early, between the 3rd and 4th week of life, and lasts throughout the year, another important factor to make it so attractive for use in gardening.

Now, I must emphasize that, although it has become a plant widely used for ornamental purposes, its most important use is oriented to the agricultural sector. In fact, it is highly appreciated, not only for the benefit of improving the conditions of the soil where it is planted. The main reason lies in its nutritional properties, its high protein content is very favorable for cattle, when included in their diet. In addition, it reduces costs and contributes to increase production levels, but its use is not limited to cattle, it is also widely used in the poultry industry. Its inclusion in poultry farms as feed not only reduces costs, but also produces considerable improvements in the production and pigmentation of meat and egg yolk.

After discovering all the beneficial properties of this plant, I agree with all those who consider that Arachis Pintoi is a prodigious plant. Well, I hope you liked this new selection of photographs in addition to the information I share with you. I also hope it will be to the liking of my friend @adalger, and all his work team, as it will be my entry this week for the wonderful contest he organizes, Amazing Nature Contest - August 2021 - #03. I send you many blessings, don't forget to take care of yourselves and yours by complying with biosecurity measures. You are loved.

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