Habitat:
Arachis hypogaea is believed to have originated in South America, most likely in southern Bolivia and northern Argentina, where its wild relatives still grow. It is now widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. It is not found in undisturbed natural habitats but is grown in agricultural fields, often in sandy or well-drained loamy soils, under full sun. Wild relatives such as Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis occur in seasonally dry forests and savannahs, and these species are considered the progenitors of the cultivated peanut through ancient hybridisation and polyploidy.
Description:
Arachis hypogaea is a low-growing annual herb that typically reaches 30–50 cm in height, with a spreading or ascending habit. The stems are softly pubescent, branching freely at the base. Leaves are pinnately compound, with two pairs of obovate leaflets, each 2–7 cm long, arranged oppositely. Flowers are yellow, papilionaceous, and measure around 1.5–2.5 cm across. They are borne singly or in small axillary clusters and are self-pollinating. Uniquely, after fertilisation, the flower stalk elongates and bends downward, pushing the developing ovary into the soil, where the fruit (a peanut pod) matures underground. Pods are typically 2–6 cm long, containing 1–4 seeds, and are reticulated and brittle at maturity.
Cultivation:
Grow Arachis hypogaea in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct light per day. It performs best in daytime temperatures between 25–33 °C and nighttime lows of 18–22 °C. The species requires a well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8–7.0). Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and early pod development, but avoid waterlogging. Once pods begin to mature underground, reduce watering to prevent rot. Fertilise with a low-nitrogen, calcium-rich formula, as excess nitrogen can hinder pod development. The plant completes its life cycle in 90–150 days, depending on variety and climate.
Specifications:
Plant Size: plants 30 cm tall. Growing in pots with soik media 
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Plant Passport: Arachis hypogaea B 140084 C [user input] D GB