Fabaceae - Botanical Family

Anagyris foetida, or the Mediterranean Stinkbush, is a large shrub that grows between 5-10 feet tall. Native to the Mediterranean region, it forms a small, oval or round shaped shrub crowned by a tightly branched dome. Bright yellow or orange flowers bloom in the spring and give way to the distinctive backward curving seed pods. When its leaves are crushed, they emit a sharp and unpleasant odor, hence the name Stinkbush.

This plant is incredibly hardy and can tolerate intense full sun and moderate watering. Once mature, the Mediterranean Stinkbush can withstand cold down to at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time and is hardy in USDA Zone 9.

In addition to its resilient properties, the Mediterranean Stinkbush has been used as an ethnomedicinal plant. It is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-diuretic properties due to its acidic and bitter compounds. The plant can, however, be toxic and should not be consumed in any form.

When grown in a pot, the Mediterranean Stinkbush is best suited for a cold climate. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water the soil to keep it lightly moist, allowing it to dry out between waterings. Fertilizing regularly during the growing season and providing protection from extreme cold weather will help this plant thrive and reach its full size. Prune in late winter or early spring, focusing on removing dead or weak branches.

Gold of the Rocks makes a most ornamental woody, semi-evergreen shrub with large, bright golden yellow flowers in terminal clusters and fresh green, trifoliated leaves.

Silvery hairy shrub with evergreen foliage and pale yellow flowers. It's a good specimen plant for a rock garden in a dry, warm climate.

Each plant forms a small clump, usually up to 10-12 inches in diameter. The leaves are small, about 1 inch in length, and have three leaflets. The yellow or orange flowers form in clusters at the top of the stems and are about 1 inch in diameter. The fruits are legumes and contain two or three seeds in each pod. The seeds are smooth and shiny, with a golden color when ripe.

Arachis glabrata is native to South America and is considered a low-growing, 2 ft tall groundcover. It can also be used as a small shrub if allowed to grow to 2-5 ft tall. For best results, plant in a sunny to semi-shaded location. The plant requires regular water during growing season, and moderate water during winter and summer months.

In areas where the cold winter temperatures drop to 30s F for a short time, Arachis glabrata should be grown in a pot that can be moved outdoors during the summer months and indoors during winter months. The plant should be placed in a sunny area and given plenty of water. However, it should be protected from extreme cold temperatures with a cold frame or well-insulated growing container.

Arachis glabrata is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11 and requires minimal maintenance once established. Regular pruning of the stems and removal of dead or diseased leaves is recommended. With proper care and maintenance, this attractive ground cover or small shrub can bring beauty and color to any garden.

Arachis hypogaea, also known as the peanut, is a native South American plant that grows to a height of 2-5 feet. It is a small flowering shrub or groundcover that thrives in full sun or semi-shade and requires moderate amounts of water. This plant has yellow and orange flowers which often attract insects. In addition to being a popular snack food, peanuts have a variety of uses including being a source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants and are a good source of dietary fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids.

A single peanut plant can produce up to 40 pods, each of which contains 2-5 peanuts. Peanut plants prefer loose, well-draining soil and require moisture during their growing season. However, during the last six weeks of growth, the amount of water should be reduced to help the pods mature quickly. Peanuts can be grown outside in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11, but in colder regions they are usually grown in pots.

Arachis hypogaea, the edible peanut, is closely related to the ornamental peanut, Arachis glabrata. Both species have unique reproductive biology in which the seed-containing pods mature underground rather than above ground as in most legumes. The flowers self-pollinate and after pollination, the young pod is sent down on a stalk and pushed into the ground where it matures. Peanuts are used to produce a variety of products including oil for cooking, margarine, and salads, and can be used in pharmaceuticals, soaps, and lubricants. The oil cake, a high-protein livestock feed, may also be consumed by humans. Other products made from peanuts include dyes, ice cream, massage oil, paints, and peanut milk. Peanuts can be eaten raw, roasted and salted, chopped in confectioneries, or made into peanut butter. The young pods and leaves of the plant can also be eaten as a vegetable.

Species:

Archidendron grandiflorum

Archidendron lucyi

It is best grown with some shelter from cold winds and in full sun, and makes an excellent wall shrub, where its silky grey-green foliage, delicate and laburnum-like, looks effective against brickwork and can reach 18ft. The golden pea-shaped flowers are gathered in large upright cones, and have a strong scent of pineapples.