Mashua Tubers – Tropaeolum tuberosum are a vigorous and edible tuberous rooted nasturtium. Mashua produces Tubers in abundance when earthed up.  A species of flowering plant in the family Tropaeolaceae, grown in the Andes, particularly in Peru and Bolivia, and to a lesser extent in Ecuador as well as in Boyacá Department,Colombia, for its edible tubers, which are eaten cooked or roasted as a vegetable. It is a staple food source, especially to native Amerindian populations. Mashua is a herbaceous perennial climber growing to 2–4 m (7–13 ft) in height. It is related to garden nasturtiums, and is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental for its brightly colored tubular flowers that hummingbirds love. Mashua is disease free and is know to reduce plant pathogens like soil nematodes, and other feeding insects. Mashua also prevents weeds and is well suited for poly-culture with other edibles. Masua likes partial shade to half day sun. Mashua thrives in cooler climates and does not do well in hot summer locations.

You will receive 3 mixed tubers:

Colombian (tuberosum v. pilifera)

Colombian Mashua tubers are cream colored, with purple eyes four to eight inches long – a very vigorous and productive plant for the PNW. This is a tuberous rooted nasturtium from Colombia. North of the equator has no day-length problem for tuber production (as we have found with the Bolivian cultivars) Tubers are white with anise fragrance when cooked. Raw they can be grated on sushi or other dishes like you would horseradish.

Puca Anu

The Puca Anu is a Peruvian cultivar and features purple stripes over a yellow tuber, two to six inches long. This vine has edible leaves, flowers and tubers like all Mashua. Grow on a trellis or western facing window to watch hummingbirds feed on the beautiful orange flowers

Sapu Anu

Chilean Red

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An interesting species of nasturtium, Mashua grows as a beautiful twining vine that can reach 8-12 feet tall with a big enough support and displays fiery orange tubular flowers in late summer into fall that hummingbirds flock too. Following the stunning floral and foliage display the plant will die back for the winter in northern climates and you can harvest its uniquely shaped tubers that look like gems from the earth with their various colors and striations. Flavor is similar to a nasturtium flower with its pleasant peppery flavors and earthy notes. A fun and interesting Incan crop that has been grown in the Andes for hundreds of years.

Latin Name: Tropaeolum tuberosum
Site and Soil: Half day to full sun, well draining soil
Hardiness: 30° F. at least
Size at Maturity: 8-12 ft
Flower Color: Bright orange and red
Foliage Color: Green
Bloom Time: Late summer into fall
Pests & Diseases: None that we’ve seen
USDA Zone: 9a to be perennial year round, or harvest tubers and re-plant in spring

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