Pinto Peanut X 3

$15 for 3 plants

Pinto Peanut (Arachis pintoi) is a low-growing, nitrogen-fixing groundcover prized for its dense mat of bright green leaves and cheerful yellow flowers. Native to South America and now naturalised in tropical and subtropical parts of Australia, it's a favourite in permaculture gardens, orchards, and food forests. It acts as a living mulch, suppresses weeds, improves soil fertility, and protects bare soil from erosion. Edible for livestock and safe for chickens, it's often used under fruit trees, along garden borders, or as a soft, low-maintenance lawn alternative where mowing isn't needed. Not invasive and thrives under light foot traffic.

Features:

Ideal prune height: Ground-hugging, 5–15 cm

pH range: 5.5 to 7.5

Sun preference: Full sun to part shade

Minimum pot size by year 5: 15L or unrestricted in ground

Time to flower: 3 to 6 months

Harvest period: Continuous flowering

Notable traits: Nitrogen fixer, chicken-safe groundcover, suppresses weeds, low-growing living mulch

Pinto Peanut thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil and regular moisture. It handles light drought once established and performs best when planted densely to cover soil quickly. In Perth and similar climates, it benefits from some shade during the hottest part of the day and coldest winter nights and regular watering in dry periods. Can be mowed lightly or trimmed if needed to control spread.

While technically edible (leaf, flower and nuts) all parts are not sought after for as human food but for plant health and animal fodder instead.

Perfect for under fruit trees, along pathways, or as a low-care lawn substitute, Pinto Peanut is one of the best functional and attractive groundcovers available.

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