Bomarea edulis

Family: Alstroemeriaceae

What it is like

Bomarea edulis is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Found in mountains, in oak woodlands to tropical woodlands. Disturbed areas and forests from sea level to 3000 metres.

C. and S. America - Mexico to Peru.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Tuber - cooked. When boiled the roots make a light and delicate food. Rich in starch, a cream made from this farinaceous matter is wholesome and very agreeable to the taste.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a warm sunny position and a well-drained slightly acid soil. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade. One report says that plants are possibly hardy in the milder areas of Britain. However a plant has been growing in an outdoor bed at Kew in light woodland for at least 4 years (1992) where it has flowered and produced seed in most years. Another report says that it is hardy to about -10°c. Plants prefer a minimum night temperature of 10°c. Keep the plants almost dry in winter and apply a good thick organic mulch to the roots. The mulch should be removed as growth commences in the spring because the young shoots are very susceptible to slug damage. The edible roots are sold in local markets in S. America. The tubers should be planted about 15cm deep n the soil. This genus is closely related to Alstroemeria species.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a warm greenhouse, it will germinate in a few weeks. Stratify stored seed for 3 weeks at 20°c, then 3 weeks at 5°c. It usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring, with care since the roots are brittle. Each portion must have some roots and a growth bud. Pot up the divisions, grow them on in the greenhouse until they are well established and then plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer or late spring of the following year.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. hirtella. (HBK.)Herb.