Ulluco
Ullucus tuberosus

Family: Basellaceae

What it is like

A small herb with creeping pink stems. It is erect and compact. It puts up branches which can be 30-50 cm high. The stems form roots where they touch the ground. At the end of its growth plants are lying along the ground. The leaves are broad and heart shaped. In some kinds the leaves have red spots or a reddish blue edge. Small tubers form on the ends of the roots. Often they are yellow but shape and colour vary with variety. Flowers are in the axils of leaves. They are small and star shaped. Seeds are occasionally produced in a triangular capsule. These seeds will grow after their dormancy period has passed (2-3 months). Aerial tubers sometimes also occur. There are about 50-70 cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows well in cool moist climates in the tropics. It will probably suit high altitude places. In the Andes it grows at altitudes of 1,000-4,000 m. It can stand light frosts. It shows drought resistance and has low fertility demands. It gives low tuber yields under long day conditions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The tubers are eaten boiled and served with vinegar. They are also dried and ground into flour. They can also be fried. The leaves are edible cooked.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. One variety has been introduced and is being tried out in Papua New Guinea. It is an important food plant in the Andes, especially Peru. 30,000 tons are sold in local markets each year in Peru.

Edible parts

Leaves, tubers, root, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from tubers. They can be grown from cuttings. Soil needs to be earthed up around the growing plant. A spacing of 60 to 80 cm between plants is suitable. Some plants have 3 sets of chromosomes and these must always be grown from tubers or cuttings. Plants are often severely affected by viral diseases.

Tubers mature in about 4-6 months but can be 7-8 months. It the dry high altitude Andes tubers are frozen then dried.

Its other names

Local names

Chigua, Chugua, Chuguas, Hubas, Illako, Melloco, Melloco, Michini, Michurui, Micuche, Miguri, Muchuchi, Oca quina, Olloco, Olluco, Papa lisa, Papas lisas, Ruba, Rubia, Ryba, Timbos, Tiquino, Ullucu, Ulluma, Zanahoria lisas

Synonyms

Basella tuberosa (Lozano) Kunth; Melloca tuberosa (Lozano) Lindley; Ullucus kunthii Moquin-Tandon; and others