Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pav.

A climbing herb which climbs by twining around objects. It is grown each year from tubers. It can be 2-4 m high and spread 3 m wide. It does not have hairs. Stems are greenish red. Leaves have 5 lobes. Leaves vary between 5-20 cm long. Tubers are yellowish green with purple marks. They are often deeply furrowed. Flowers are red and yellow. They are 3-4 cm across and cup shaped with a long spur. The plant sets seed easily. Tuber colour and shape varies between varieties.

A tropical plant. It grows in high altitude, cool, moist, tropical regions. The plants are tolerant of frost. It requires 12 hour days for successful cultivation. It can grow on poor soils. In South America plants grow from 3,000 to 4,000 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Tubers are eaten after boiling for 10 minutes. They are often sweetened. They can be added to stews. They are cured in the sun then freeze dried then boiled like potatoes. They can be cooked then frozen. The tender young leaves and flowers are also eaten.

Plants are grown from tubers. A spacing of 70 cm x 70 cm is suitable. It needs to be kept weed free and to have the earth hilled up around plants. Plants mature in about 7 months. Because of its climbing pattern it can compete with weeds. Plants can also be grown from seed.