| Mirabilis expansa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus: | Mirabilis |
| Species: | M. expansa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mirabilis expansa (Ruiz & Pav.) Standl.
| |
Mirabilis expansa (mauka or chago) is a species of flowering plant cultivated as a root vegetable in the Andes, at cold, windy altitudes between 2,200 m (7,200 ft) and 3,500 m (11,500 ft).[1] The above-ground portion dies back with frost, but the root is quite hardy. The roots can reach the size of a man's forearm, and yields can reach 50,000 kg/ha (45,000 lb/acre) given two years maturation time.[2]
It is considered to be an underutilized crop, and has received interest for its ability to grow in conditions that do not favor other root crops. The Andean region is considered one of the most important places for crop development and diversification.[1]
- ^ a b Flores, H., Walker, T., Guimaraes, R., Bais, H., Vivanco, J. (2003). Andean Root and Tuber Crops: Underground Rainbows. Hort Science. vol 32 (2) pg. 161-167. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/38/2/161. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ Chago/Mauka/Mirabilis expansa Zooms edible plants