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Peanut (Groundnut)
الفول السوداني · Arachis hypogaea
An unusual summer legume. After pollination its flowers push into the soil and make pods underground.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الفول السوداني |
|---|---|
| English name | Peanut (Groundnut) |
| Scientific name | Arachis hypogaea |
| Family | Legume family (Fabaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual summer legume |
| Height | 30 to 50 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
March to May
August to October
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A short plant with four-leaflet leaves, yellow flowers and brown pods under the soil.
Where it grows
Grown in summer in small areas on sandy land in Al-Ahsa, Jazan and Najran.
Soil
Needs light, sandy, well-drained soil so pods can grow down.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering, especially at flowering and pod forming.
Climate and light
Loves heat and sun.
Propagation
From seeds sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- Seeds are rich in protein and oil
- Improves the soil
Drawbacks
- Can cause strong allergy in some people
- Needs good drying to avoid mold
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Arachis hypogaea
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Arachis hypogaea
- Wikipedia: Peanut
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)