Status:
valid
Authors:
(Poepp.) H.Rob.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1978
Citation Micro:
Phytologia 39: 51 (1978)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000081552
Common Names
- Yacon
- Peruvian Ground Apple
- Peruvian Groundcherry
Synonyms
- Polymnia edulis Wedd. [unknown]
- Silphium edule Baill. [unknown]
- Polymnia sonchifolia Poepp. [unknown]
Description
Smallanthus sonchifolius (also called yacon, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Andes of Peru. It has large leaves and yellow flowers. It typically grows in moist, shaded areas, such as the edges of forests.
Uses & Benefits
Smallanthus sonchifolius is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Smallanthus sonchifolius has small, yellow-green flowers with a yellow center. The seeds are small, black, and oval-shaped. The seedlings are thin, with a single stem and a few small, round leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Andes Mountains of South America. It is easy to propagate from cuttings or divisions of the root system. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they have established roots. Division of the root system can be done in the spring or fall. The divisions should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they have established roots.
Where to Find Smallanthus sonchifolius
Smallanthus sonchifolius is native to South America, and can be found in moist, open areas, such as roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas.
Smallanthus sonchifolius FAQ
What is the scientific name of Smallanthus sonchifolius?
Smallanthus sonchifolius
What is the family of Smallanthus sonchifolius?
Asteraceae
What is the common name of Smallanthus sonchifolius?
Yacon
Species in the Smallanthus genus
Smallanthus riparius,
Smallanthus siegesbeckius,
Smallanthus araucariophilus,
Smallanthus connatus,
Smallanthus uvedalia,
Smallanthus meridensis,
Smallanthus macvaughii,
Smallanthus fruticosus,
Smallanthus oaxacanus,
Smallanthus glabratus,
Smallanthus sonchifolius,
Smallanthus jelskii,
Smallanthus maculatus,
Smallanthus quichensis,
Smallanthus macroscyphus,
Smallanthus apus,
Smallanthus riograndensis,
Smallanthus parviceps,
Smallanthus microcephalus,
Smallanthus pyramidalis,
Smallanthus putlanus,
Smallanthus fruticosa,
Smallanthus cocuyensis,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,