Then if we count the exotic,
cultivated peanut in its poda
root crop, we shall have to
count the native hogpeanut
(Amphicorpea monoica Fig. 36)
with its more fleshy and root-
like subterranean pod, one


Fic. 35. A portion of a vine of the also.
hog peanut (Amphicarpes), bearing —_‘ Tt is a most interesting plant.
It grows as aslender twining
vine on low bushes in the edge of thickets. It produces pale
blue flowers in racemes along the upper part of the stem, and
from these develop small, bean-like pods. It develops also
scattered, colorless, self-fertilizing flowers on short branches
at the surface of the soil. These are very fertile. They
push into the soil and develop there mostly one-seeded,
roundish, fleshy pods about half an inch in diameter.
These are the hog-peanuts.
THE EDIBLE WILD ROOTS OF THE FARM 63


So, if we go out to examine the plants producing nature’s
root crops we will find them a mixed lot of solanums, legumes,
aroids, etc., growing in all kinds of situations, wet and dry, in
sun and in shade, and producing food reserves that have little
in common either in character or in content.
Study 7. Wild Root Crops of the Farm


This study will consist in an examination
of the edible and poisonous roots found
growing wild on the farm. Such exotics Fic. 36. The root

. a . and the under-
as parsnip, carrot and chicory, will be found — ground “nuts” of
growing as weeds in the field. The native Tete
root crops will have to be sought in the woods and
thickets and in swampy places.
The equipment needed will be a knife, a bag and a stout
digging tool of some sort.
