Salcilla
Bomarea salsilla
Family: Alstroemeriaceae
What it is like
A twining herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are sword shaped. The flowers are small and pink or red.
There are 100-200 Bomarea species. They are climbers in the Andes cloudforest in Central and South America.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in woods in the mountains and by the coast in humid areas. It is best in a sunny position with a well-drained and slightly acid soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Chile, South America
How it is used for food
The tuber is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Root, tubers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. It is best to used fresh seed but with stored seed it needs to be put in a warm location then a cold location before planting. Plants can be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Copihuito, Zarcilla