The groundnut plant is a low-growing, annual with a central upright stem. The numerous branches vary from low-flat to almost erect. It grows to 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall. The leaves are opposite, pinnate with four leaflets (two opposite pairs; no terminal leaflet), each leaflet 1 to 7 cm long and 1 to 3 cm broad. The flowers are a typical peaflower in shape, 2 to 4 cm across, yellow with reddish veining. After pollination, the fruit develops into a pod 3 to 7 cm long containing 1 to 3 (rarely 4) seeds, which forces its way underground to mature. That where the name groundnut comes from. Groundnuts are eaten in various forms. Roasted, salted groundnuts, boiled groundnuts, fried groundnuts, peanut butter are examples. Groundnut is native to South America, but now found widespread.