Bambara Groundnut: Bambara Groundnut
(Vigna subterranea)
Vigna subterranea is an annual, herbaceous nitrogen-fixing legume of particular importance throughout semi-arid Africa. Leaves are trifoliate and are borne along creeping stems that extend along the ground surface. Flowers are yellow and butterfly-shaped, similar to other legumes. Upon fertilization, pods bearing 2-3 seeds each develop beneath the soil surface.