Smallanthus fruticosus
(Benth.) H. Rob.
Jicama
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(c) Damon Tighe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Damon Tighe
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jose Granizo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jose Granizo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaSmallanthus fruticosus is a species of shrub in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Andes (from Colombia to Bolivia). S. fruticosus contains the cytotoxic flavone centaureidin and the flavanone sakuranetin.
Description
A hairy shrub. It has tubers. The leaves are opposite. The leaf stalks have wings. The flowers are yellow and in heads. The fruit is thick and dry.
Edible Uses
The tubers are edible and become sweet when exposed to the sun.
Traditional Uses
The tubers become sweet when exposed to the sun.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 2,500-4,000 m above sea level in the Andes.
Where It Grows
Ecuador*, South America,
Other Information
It is a cultivated plant.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Colla
References (1)
- Quintana, C. M., 2010, Wild Plants in the Dry Valleys Around Quito Ecuador. An Illustrated Guide. Publicationes del Harbario, QCA p 75
