PlantFiles: Pinto Peanut, Perennial Peanut, Ornamental Ground Peanut, Maní Forrajero Perenne
Arachis pintoi 'Golden Glory'

I have not grown Pinto Peanut, Perennial Peanut (Arachis pintoi) which is native to Brazil where it usually grows under open forest native vegetation. However, I have observed Pinto Peanut, Perennial Peanut 'Golden Glory' growing in Maui, Hawaii. 'Golden Glory' (Arachis pintoi) grows to about 8 inches (20 cm) high forming a dense mat, is non-twining and is a nitrogen-fixing legume. It can grow taller depending upon the environmental conditions under which it is growing. Unlike wedelia which also is used as a ground cover, 'Golden Glory' does not grown up into bushes, trees or other objects. Although it will grow in full sun, it produces more growth and denser growth in shade. The older crowns develop a strong taproot. Each petiole has four oval leaflets. The pea-like flowers are a bright yellow. The fruit is an underground nut that contains non-edible seed, one per pod. Pinto Peanut flowers year round. Stems grow along the ground rooting at the nodes and it spreads by stolons. The plant tolerates flooding; but, does not grow in permanently waterlogged conditions. 'Golden Glory' tolerates some foot traffic.

Arachis pintoi ‘Amarillo’ was developed in Australia. ‘Amarillo’ differs from ‘Golden Glory’ in that the leaf undersides are hairy; whereas, the undersides of ‘GoldenGlory’ leaves are smooth. Also, the flowers of ‘Golden Glory’ have slightly shorter stalks. Arachis glabrata is extensively used in Florida and Hawaii as a forage and orchard cover . Its leaves are a bit longer than those of Arachis pintoi and it produces fewer flowers.