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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Mirabilis expansa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
It is frost tender.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Root
Edible Uses: Drink
Root - dried in the sun then boiled and eaten as a vegetable[183]. The root contains about 7% protein, a good quantity for a root crop[183] and up to 87% carbohydrate on a dry weight basis[196]. Roots can be the size of a man's forearm[196]. Some forms, especially those from Bolivia, contain an astringent substance that can burn the lips and mouth. When exposed to the sun these roots become sweet and are pleasant to eat[196]. Forms grown in Ecuador are not astringent[196]. Roots can be used in sweet or savoury dishes[196]. The cooking water makes an especially flavourful drink[183]. Leaves - raw. Added to salads[183, 196]. The leaves contain about 17% protein[196] (this is probably based on the dry weight[K].
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
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a loose alluvial soil[196]. The plant might be intolerant of frost[196]. The top growth is certainly sensitive to frost, being cut back at temperatures below zero, but the root seems to be much hardier[K]. This species is occasionally cultivated for its edible root in the Andes, there are some named varieties. The plant is said to grow well in cold harsh environments with strong winds[183, 196]. Many factors such as the plant's daylength requirement, are unknown but the plant seems to have potential as a crop in temperate areas of the world[196]. In the harsh environments where the plant grows it can take up to 2 years for the crop to mature, though it is usually harvested after a year. Yields of 50 tonnes per hectare after 2 years are possible[196]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for several years[196]. Division. Dig up roots in the autumn, store in a cool moist frost-free place over the winter and replant in April.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
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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 it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
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.
Expert comment
Author
(Ruiz.&Pav.)Standl.
Botanical References
Links / References
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