When a peanut plant is growing, it resembles a small, compact bush with vibrant yellow flowers. The plant typically reaches a height of around 1 to 2 feet, with a spread of about 3 feet. Its overall appearance is similar to that of a sweet pea bush, but with distinct yellow flowers.
The flowers of a peanut plant are quite striking, with bright yellow petals and a central pistil. These flowers are self-pollinating, which means they do not rely on external factors like wind or insects for pollination. Instead, the plant has the ability to pollinate itself, leading to a higher chance of successful reproduction.
After the flowers have bloomed and started to wither, a unique process occurs in the peanut plant’s reproductive cycle. A flower stalk called a peg starts to elongate and grows towards the ground. This peg then pushes the ovary or pistil of the flower into the soil, burying it to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches.
This underground burial of the ovary is crucial for the development of the peanut fruit. As the peg continues to grow, it forms a protective layer around the developing ovary, shielding it from external elements and providing a suitable environment for growth. This process is known as geocarpy.
As the peg reaches its full length, the ovary undergoes further development and eventually matures into a peanut pod. The pod contains the developing seeds or peanuts, which will continue to grow and fill the pod over time. Once the peanuts have reached maturity, the plant can be harvested.
A growing peanut plant is characterized by its yellow flowers, low bush-like appearance, and the unique process of burying its ovary underground to form peanut pods. It is a fascinating plant with a remarkable ability to self-pollinate and ensure successful reproduction.
