Arjona patagonica

Arjona patagonica is a species of flowering plant in the family Schoepfiaceae native to southern South America.

Description

A herb. It grows 6-20 cm tall. It has a tuberous rhizome. The leaves clasp the stem. The flowers are in a cluster at the top of the plant.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Tuber - raw or cooked. Prized for eating.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In Argentina plants grow from sea level to 4,000 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Chile, South America,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Going by its native habitat it should be very wind resistant and probably requires a light to medium well-drained soil in a sunny position. Is this the same plant that is listed as A. tuberosa. Cav. in and??

Propagation

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Synonyms

Also Known As

Arjona, Papita dulce, Papita piche

References (3)

• Cordero, S. E., Abello, L. A., & Galvez, F. L., 2017, Plantas silvestres comestibles y medicinales de Chile y otras partes del mundo. CORMA p 147
• Leon-Lobos, P., et al, 2022, Patterns of Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Edible Native Plants of Chile: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Plants (Basel) v 11 (6) Table S1
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

More from Schoepfiaceae

Arjona tuberosa

Chaquil, Macachin

Schoepfia fragrans