🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Ulluco is primarily grown for its edible tubers, which are a staple food in the Andes. The leaves are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach. It's a useful crop in permaculture systems as it can be grown as a ground cover, suppressing weeds. Different colored tubers exist, including red, yellow, and purple cultivars, each with slightly different flavor profiles. Ulluco is also a good source of nutrients, including vitamin C and calcium.
Permapeople description
Ullucus tuberosus, commonly known as ulluco, is a plant mainly cultivated as a root vegetable, native to the Andes.
Botanical description
Ullucus tuberosus is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Andes region of South America. It belongs to the Basellaceae family. The plant has succulent, sprawling stems that can reach up to 50 cm in length. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and typically white or pale yellow. The tubers are the main edible part of the plant, varying in color, size, and shape, and can be smooth or knobby. The plant is frost-sensitive and requires a long growing season.
Companion planting
Information on companion planting for Ulluco is limited. However, like other Andean tubers, it may benefit from being planted alongside nitrogen-fixing plants such as beans or peas. Avoid planting near competitive weeds that may overshadow the plant.
Propagation methods
Ulluco is typically propagated vegetatively through tubers. Small tubers can be planted directly in the ground, or larger tubers can be cut into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one eye or sprout. Stem cuttings can also be rooted, although this method is less common. Seed propagation is possible but rarely practiced due to the plant's variable seed production and long germination period.
History and traditions
Ulluco has been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to pre-Inca times. It was a vital food source for indigenous populations and continues to be an important crop in the region. Traditionally, ulluco is prepared in various ways, including boiling, frying, and adding it to soups and stews. In some cultures, it's also used medicinally to treat skin conditions and digestive issues.
Usage calendar
Planting: Spring (after the last frost). Flowering: Late summer to early fall. Harvesting: Fall (after the foliage has died back). Tubers can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place.