This genus is closely related to Alstroemeria species[].

Common Name:

General Information

Bomarea edulis is a perennial climbing plant producing annual twining stems that can grow 2 - 6metres long from a tuberous rootstock[].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food, whilst the edible roots are also sold in local markets. The plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in warm temperate to tropical gardens.

Known Hazards

The fresh sap of this plant can cause skin rashes in some people. The plant contains small quantities (up to 0.2%) of the compound tuliposide A, which probably hydrolizes on the skin to form the allergenic lactone tulipalin A. People who are allergic to the sap of tulips are very likely to also be sensitive to the sap of this plant[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, north to the Caribbean and through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Found in mountains, in oak woodlands to tropical woodlands. Disturbed areas and forests; at elevations from sea level to 3,000 metres. Damp or wet forests or thickets; usually at elevations from 800 - 3,000 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Bomarea edulis has a wide native range from Brazil and Bolivia north to Mexico - it can also be found from sea level to around 3,000 metres. Whilst it does not like a lot of cold, it can tolerate mild, short-lived winters.
Requires a warm sunny position and a well-drained slightly acid soil[, ]. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade[]. Prefers a moderately sunny position on the woodland edge[].
The tubers should be planted about 15cm deep n the soil[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe - it will germinate in a few weeks[]. Stratify stored seed for 3 weeks at 20°c, then 3 weeks at 5°c[]. It usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough.
Division when the plants are dormant. Be careful since the roots are brittle. Each portion must have some roots and a growth bud[]. Pot up the divisions, grow them on until they are well established and then plant them out into their permanent positions

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