This native annual vine grows up to 5 feet long. The hairy vines twine on grasses and other lower story vegetation (A). The distinctive leaves are divided into 3 oval-shaped, pointed leaflets (C). The lilac pea-like flowers, about 1/2 inch long, appear in clusters on the upper branches (B). Its fruit is a 1 inch long, flat pod, first green, then turning brown (E,F). This unusual plant also has another type of inconspicuous flower and fruit growing near or under ground. These small flowers have no petals and appear on lower branches. They produce a pear-shaped, fleshy fruit. Identified by its hairy vine with 3 leaflets and lilac flower clusters.
Found on moist floodplains, flowering in August and September. In Fontenelle Forest, locally abundant along Stream Trail, where it crosses Cottonwood Trail (D). At Neale Woods, uncommon on the east side of pond at the end of Pond Trail.
Hogs dig up the seeds of the fleshy fruit; hence the common name.
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