

How to identify American Groundnut (Apios americana)
American Groundnut, also known as Groundnut, America Hodoimo, Indian Potato
American Groundnut displays its distinctiveness through a cascade of climbing or trailing vines, which can extend a considerable length of 8-16 feet (2.4-4.9 meters). Its foliage is characteristically green, and the vines bear a series of small, yet notable, flowers. The true gem lies underground; its sizeable tubers grow to substantial dimensions, which are of notable interest. The physical appearance of both the above-ground vine structure and underground tubers is pivotal for identification.
Long climbing vines reach 8-16 feet (2.4-4.9 m).
Distinct maroon pea-like flowers in compact racemes.
Bean-shaped legume fruit grows 2-4 inches (5-10 cm).
Egg-shaped compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
Smooth green twining stems, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) thick.
American Groundnut has egg-shaped, pinnately compound leaves, each consisting of 5-7 leaflets. The leaflets measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The undersides of the leaflets tend to be paler and may have fine hairs. These attributes, such as the distinct shape, size, and potential presence of hairs on the lower surfaces, help in identifying the leaves of this plant.
The flowers of american Groundnut are characterized by maroon or reddish-brown hues, resembling pea flowers. Each bloom has 5 petals arranged in a compact raceme, emerging from the leaf axils. The flowers are small, roughly 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) in length, and display a unique shape typical of the Fabaceae family. They emit a subtle fragrance and bloom from June to August, adding vibrant color to their surroundings.
The stem of american Groundnut is characterized by its twining green appearance. The texture is smooth, providing a supple surface that adeptly climbs and wraps around support structures. It typically measures between 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in thickness. The stems exhibit a consistent green color, occasionally showing lighter green areas where younger growth occurs. They demonstrate a distinguished pattern of intertwining, making them easily recognizable in various habitats. No significant branching occurs along the main length of the stem.
The fruit of american Groundnut is a bean-shaped legume that ranges from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. It encases several seeds and has a fleshy, yet somewhat dry texture. This fruit matures during the months of July to September. When young, the legume may appear green and then typically transition to a darker hue upon ripening. The outer surface is smooth, featuring a firm pod that splits upon maturity to release the seeds contained within.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of American Groundnut