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Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob.
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Common Name: | Yacon, Peruvian Ground Apple, 雪莲果 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Colombia to Northern Argentina |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Highland / Montane |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Flowers | The compound flowers resemble sunflowers. |
|---|---|
| Etymology | The common name Yacon means water root in the Inca language. In ancient times, travellers would consume the juicy tubers for their high water content. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Storage Organs Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The storage tuber can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a light sweet taste with a texture similar to water chestnuts. The sweet taste is caused by oligofructose sugars which the body cannot digest, making it a lower calorie food. However, over time and depending on storage conditions, oligofructose sugars in the tuber are broken down to fructose, glucose and possibly sucrose which would increase the tuber's calorie content. Oligofructose sugars, along with inulin, act as prebiotics that stimulate the immune system and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Prefers Cool Environment |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Wrinkled |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Asymmetrical |
| Individual Flower Shape | Ligulate / Strap-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Head / Capitulum |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33628 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8042 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |