Rica-rica
Adesmia spinosissima

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.6 m high. It has very large spines. Young leaves are hairy. The flowers are yellow.

There are about 230 Adesmia species. The grow in mountainous regions in South America. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows at high altitudes. It occurs as 3,500 m above sea level. In Argentina it can be between 2,700-4,300 m above sea level. It can grow in dry arid areas with 6-10 months of drought. It grows in areas with 100-300 mm of winter rain. It grows in full sun. It suits hardiness zone 9. It can tolerate frost but not snow.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile - Toconce, South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anaguilla, Anahuilla, Anawa, Anawaya, Canlla

Synonyms

Adesmia rupicola Wedd.; Patagonium alcicomutum Risby; Patagonium spinosissimum (Vogel) Kuntze;