Quineo, Wirevine
Muehlenbeckia hastulata

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A climber. It grows 5 m long. The leaves are 1-4 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are a flattened round shape and heart shaped at the base. The flowers are green.

Where it is found

It grows in Subantarctic forest and Patagonian steppe near streams and rivers. It will grow in a range of different environments. It can grow in hot or cold places and in dry and wet areas. In Chile it grows between sea level and 2,500 m altitude. It grows in humid areas with constant rainfall. It suits hardiness zone 7. It can tolerate frosts and snow.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina (country/location of origin), Bolivia, Chile (country/location of origin), Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. The leaves and seeds are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, leaves

How it is grown

It grows very fast.

Its other names

Local names

Kullo, Mollaca, Molleca, Queneu, Quilo, Voqui negro, Zarparilla, Zarzaparrilla

Synonyms

Calacinum chilense (Meisn.) J.F.Macbr.; Calacinum hastulatum (Sm.) J.F.Macbr.; Muehlenbeckia chilensis Meisn.; Muehlenbeckia dumosa I.M. Johnst.; Muehlenbeckia hastulata var. hastulata; Muehlenbeckia injucunda (Lindl.) N.E.Br.; Polygonum hastulatum (Sm.) Kuntze; Polygonum injucundum Lindl.; Rumex hastulatus Sm.; Sarcogonum chilense (Meisn.) Rusby; Sarcogonum chilensis Rusby;