Inca peanut
Plukenetia volubilis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A vine. It grows 8 m long. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 8-12 cm long by 5-8 cm wide. They are oval and taper to the tip. The flowering stalks are 5-10 cm long. The male flowers are greenish-yellow and 2-3 mm across. The fruit is a capsule 4-5 cm across. It is green and sharply four angled and with wings.

It is rich in omega-3 oil than can help lower cholesterol.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the mountain rainforest up to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Antilles, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, Guianas, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South America, St Lucia, Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. The seeds are roasted and eaten.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, nuts, seeds - oil

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amendoim-de-Inka, Amuio, Chikaksi, Estrella tikasu, Inshi, Mani de monte, Mountain peanut, Nuse, Sacha inche, Sacha inchi, Supua, Ticasu, Ticazo, Tikasu, Wild peanut

Synonyms

Fragariopsis paxii Pittier; Plukenetia macrostyla Ule; Plukenetia peruviana Mull.Arg.; Sajorium volubile (L.) Baill.;