Family: Fabaceae

Arachis hypogaea (peanut) is a nitrogen fixing, erect or prostrate annual herb native to South America. It is widely cultivated for its edible seeds throughout the tropics, subtropics, and warm temperate areas of the world, and occasionally naturalized where grown. It is not currently reported to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, and although able to self-seed, is unlikely to spread significantly from cultivated areas.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Able to persist and potentially spread in regions with tropical and subtropical climates
  
• Reported to be naturalized in Florida, Taiwan and possibly elsewhere, but not in the Hawaiian Islands to date
  
• Potential host of Calonectria crotalaria, a fungal pathogen of Acacia koa and other plant crop pathogens
  
• Peanuts and products may be allergenic to susceptible individuals
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Hybridizes with other Arachis species
  
• Self-pollinating
  
• An annual, capable of reaching maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed through intentional cultivation and potentially by water

Low Risk Traits:

• A domesticated crop, primarily found only in cultivated settings with no reports of significant negative impacts where grown
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Grows in full sun and high light environments (dense shade may inhibit ability to spread)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Seed set below ground limits the potential for long-distance or accidental dispersal
  
• Seeds may lose viability quickly under natural conditionss