Plant Profile Pinto Peanut

Plant Profile Pinto Peanut (Arachis pintoi)

Common Names: Pinto Peanut, Forage Peanut, Perennial Peanut
Scientific Name: Arachis pintoi
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Type: Perennial ground cover

Physical Description

• Height: 10–15 cm.
• Spread: Can spread up to 2 metres through rhizomes and stolons.
• Leaves: Compound leaves with four oval leaflets, bright green in colour.
• Flowers: Small, bright yellow pea-like flowers bloom throughout the year in warm climates.
• Roots: Deep, fibrous roots that fix nitrogen in the soil.

Habitat and Distribution

• Native Range: South America, particularly Brazil.
• Cultivation: Widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions, including Queensland and northern New South Wales.
• Climate Zones: Thrives in warm and humid climates.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Adapts to a variety of soils but thrives in well-draining, fertile soils with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
• Water: Requires regular watering to establish but becomes drought-tolerant once established.
• Temperature: Grows best in temperatures between 20–30°C. Sensitive to frost but recovers quickly in warmer months.
• Fertiliser: Low fertiliser requirement due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. Adding organic compost at planting can boost initial growth.

Uses in Permaculture

• Ground Cover: Forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds and protects soil from erosion.
• Nitrogen Fixation: Enhances soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting companion plants.
• Erosion Control: Ideal for slopes and areas prone to erosion, as its roots stabilise soil effectively.
• Living Mulch: Serves as a living mulch under fruit trees or in garden beds, reducing evaporation and improving water retention.
• Animal Forage: Edible for livestock like chickens, pigs, and goats; high in protein.
• Pollinator Plant: Bright yellow flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.
• No mow grass replacement: In low traffic areas.

Pinto Peanut in food forest makes an excellent ground cover.

Edible and Other Uses

• Edibility: While not commonly consumed by humans, the plant is non-toxic and safe for use as animal feed.
• Ornamental: Its lush green foliage and continuous yellow flowers make it an attractive ground cover for landscaping.

Propagation

• Cuttings or Stolons: The easiest and most effective method. Plant stolons or cuttings in moist soil, ensuring nodes are buried.
• Seeds: Less common but possible. Scarify seeds and sow in warm soil. Germination can take 1–3 weeks.

Seasonal Care

• Spring (September–November): Plant stolons or cuttings in well-prepared soil. Water regularly to establish.
• Summer (December–February): Growth accelerates. Water as needed, especially in dry spells.
• Autumn (March–May): Trim as necessary to manage spread and collect cuttings for propagation.
• Winter (June–August): May die back in frost-prone areas but regrows when temperatures rise.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests:
  • Occasionally affected by aphids or grasshoppers but generally pest-resistant.
• Diseases:
  • Rarely affected by diseases. Root rot can occur in waterlogged conditions.

Harvesting and Maintenance

• Trimming: Regular trimming helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents overgrowth into unwanted areas. The trimmings can be used as green mulch.
• Replanting: Over time, thin patches can be replenished by transplanting stolons or cuttings.

Special Considerations

• Frost Sensitivity: Not frost-hardy but recovers quickly when warm weather returns.
• Invasiveness: Spreads rapidly under favourable conditions; use edging or barriers to control growth in confined spaces.

Pinto Peanut is a versatile and valuable addition to any permaculture system, providing ground cover, soil improvement, and forage benefits.