Pachyrrhizus tuberosus Jicama (Leguminosae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Pachyrrhizus tuberosus
Jicama
(1 Page of 5)

The Pachyrrhizus tuberosus plant species is found in S. America. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Jicama.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Pachyrrhizus tuberosus
Common Name:  Jicama
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  Spreng.

Known Hazards:  The seed might be poisonous[1].

Mature Height:  6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Not known

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a light rich sandy soil[1]. Often cultivated for its edible root and seedpods in tropical areas[46], this plant is not hardy outdoors in Britain and requires greenhouse treatment[200] but could possibly be grown as a half-hardy annual. When grown for its root the flowers should be removed[1]. Plants are unlikely to form a tuber when grown in Britain due to their photoperiodic requirements[200]. This means that the plants require between 11 - 13 hours of daylight hours per day in order to initiate tuber production[K]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

For further Pachyrrhizus tuberosus gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future