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Tropaeolum leptophyllum - G.Don.

Common Name
Family Tropaeolaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Not known
Range S. America - Chile, Bolivia.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Tropaeolum leptophyllum


Tropaeolum leptophyllum

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Tropaeolum leptophyllum is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

T. edule. Paxt.

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[1, 2, 46, 61, 105]. Large[200]. The tubers are only used in times of scarcity, when better flavoured food is not available[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 lime-free soil[1] and a sunny position[200]. Prefers a soil of turfy loam and peat or sandy peat and leafmould[1]. Succeeds in soils of low and medium fertility[200]. The dormant plant is hardy to about -15°c[200]. A climbing plant, it supports itself by twisting its leaf stalks around other plants etc[219]. Closely related to T. polyphyllum, differing in its tubers and climbing habit[200]. The caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly can be a nuisance and often cause considerable damage to the leaves[219].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of the tubers in the autumn or spring. In cold winter areas the tubers can be harvested in the autumn after top-growth has died down and they can then be stored in a cool frost-free position until planting them out in the spring. Cuttings of basal stems in the spring[200]. Pot them up into individual pots and place them in light shade in a frame until they are established. Plant out in early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Argentina (Mendoza, Neuquén), Chile (Biobío, Maule, Libertador General Bernardo O Higgins, Valparaíso, La Araucanía)

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Tropaeolum brachyceras Perennial Climber1.0 8-11  LMHNDM10 
Tropaeolum majusNasturtium, Indian CressPerennial Climber3.5 8-11 FLMNM433
Tropaeolum minusDwarf NasturtiumPerennial0.3 8-11  LMNM432
Tropaeolum patagonicum Perennial0.2 -  LMHNMWe30 
Tropaeolum sessilifolium Perennial Climber3.0 8-11  LMHNDM30 
Tropaeolum tricolorum Perennial Climber1.5 7-10  LMHNM20 
Tropaeolum tuberosumMashua, AnuPerennial Climber2.0 7-10 MLMNM422

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

G.Don.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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Subject : Tropaeolum leptophyllum  
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