Macrotyloma geocarpum

Macrotyloma geocarpum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Macrotyloma
Species:
M. geocarpum
Binomial name
Macrotyloma geocarpum
(Harms) Maréchal & Baudet
Synonyms
  • Kerstingiella geocarpum Harms

Macrotyloma geocarpum is also known as the ground bean, geocarpa groundnut, Hausa groundnut, or Kersting's groundnut. In French, it is often called la lentille de terre. M. geocarpum is an herbaceous annual plant and a crop of minor economic importance in sub-Saharan Africa, tolerant of drought, with a growth habit similar to that of the peanut.

Geocarpa groundnut, dried
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy1,457 kJ (348 kcal)
66.6 g
Dietary fiber5.5 g
1.1 g
19.4 g
Vitamins and minerals
VitaminsQuantity
%DV
Thiamine (B1)
63%
0.76 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
15%
0.19 mg
Niacin (B3)
14%
2.3 mg
Vitamin C
0%
0.0 mg
MineralsQuantity
%DV
Calcium
8%
103 mg
Iron
83%
15 mg
Phosphorus
31%
392 mg
Potassium
11%
332 mg
Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults, except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.

M. geocarpum is a pulse belonging to the legume family. It is primarily produced in western Africa, specifically in Benin and surrounding regions. It can provide nutrition, income, and the ability to alleviate hunger given the further production and enhancement of current practices.

Yields reach 500 kg/ha (450 lb/acre) in dry seed.