earth apple
Also known as: yacon
A rhizomatous perennial usually grown as an annual to provide an edible crop of tuberous roots which are mildly sweet, crisp and juicy. Large, triangular leaves are borne on stems up to 1.5m tall and small, yellow, daisy-like flowers are borne from late summer into early autumn
Scientific classification
- Species
- earth apple (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
- Genus
- Smallanthus
- Family
- Asteraceae
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- Toxicity
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 1-1.5 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Clump forming
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
earth apple pictures
Distribution of earth apple
Distribution map
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of earth apple
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earth apple care guide
- Consistently damp soil, extra water during tuber growth
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
Watering
Consistently damp soil, extra water during tuber growth
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced vegetable feed biweekly warm growing months
Pruning
PruningNone required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed, by cuttings or by division of rhizomes
Growing
GrowingGrows best in a fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong winds to prevent damage to the leaves. Plant outside only when the risk of frost has passed.
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be affected by cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildews
Pests
Slugs and snails may be troublesome
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