Jicama
Smallanthus fruticosus
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
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.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 2,500-4,000 m above sea level in the Andes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Ecuador (country/location of origin), South America
How it is used for food
The tubers become sweet when exposed to the sun.
It is a cultivated plant.
Edible parts
Tubers, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Colla
Synonyms
Polymnia arborea Hieron; Polymnia fruticosa Benth.; Smallanthus fruticosa (Benth.) H. Rob.;