American groundnut

American groundnut
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The American groundnut is a perennial vine native to eastern North America. This legume thrives in moist, temperate climates, often found in woodlands, along stream banks, and in other damp areas. Unlike its more famous relative, the peanut, American groundnut produces edible tubers underground, resembling small potatoes, as well as edible beans in pods.

Historically, it was a vital food source for Indigenous peoples and early European settlers due to its high protein and carbohydrate content.

While not yet a major commercial crop, its potential as a sustainable, nutritious food source is gaining recognition, with interest in its cultivation for specialty markets and as a resilient alternative crop.

Names

Scientific
   Apios americana
English
   American groundnut
Spanish
   Legumbre papa
   Papa de la India
French
   Glycine tubéreuse
Italian
   Glicine tuberoso

Taxonomy

Order
   Fabales
Family
   Fabaceae
Genus
   Apios
Species
   Apios americana (American groundnut)

Crop categories

Cool temperate crops
Legumes
Minor crops
Podded vegetables
Temperate crops
Tuber vegetables
Vegetables
Wild-harvested crops

Pictures

Flowers of American groundnut
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons


Tubers of American groundnut
Malte, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons