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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Bomarea edulis is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

B. hirtella. (HBK.)Herb.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Tuber - cooked[1, 22, 46, 61, 177]. When boiled the roots make a light and delicate food[2]. Rich in starch, a cream made from this farinaceous matter is wholesome and very agreeable to the taste[2].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a warm sunny position and a well-drained slightly acid soil[1, 200]. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade[187]. One report says that plants are possibly hardy in the milder areas of Britain[1]. However a plant has been growing in an outdoor bed at Kew in light woodland for at least 4 years (1992) where it has flowered and produced seed in most years[K]. Another report says that it is hardy to about -10°c[187]. Plants prefer a minimum night temperature of 10°c[138]. Keep the plants almost dry in winter[138] and apply a good thick organic mulch to the roots[200]. The mulch should be removed as growth commences in the spring because the young shoots are very susceptible to slug damage[K]. The edible roots are sold in local markets in S. America[2]. The tubers should be planted about 15cm deep n the soil[233]. This genus is closely related to Alstroemeria species[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a warm greenhouse, it will germinate in a few weeks[1]. Stratify stored seed for 3 weeks at 20°c, then 3 weeks at 5°c[138]. It usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c[138]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring, with care since the roots are brittle. Each portion must have some roots and a growth bud[1]. Pot up the divisions, grow them on in the greenhouse until they are well established and then plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer or late spring of the following year.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Bomarea acutifolia	Yatzi	Perennial Climber	0.0	8-11		LM	N	M	2	0
Bomarea salsilla		Perennial Climber	2.0	8-11		LM	N	M	2	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Bomarea edulis - (Tuss.)Herb.