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Allotment Stuff => Swap Shop => Topic started by: Ian Pearson on March 13, 2010, 19:44:22

Title: looking for Mashua
Post by: Ian Pearson on March 13, 2010, 19:44:22
I'm most impressed with this system. My last request found a willing swapper within minutes of me posting the request, so let's try for something a bit more challenging!

Mashua (Tropaelum tuberosum) – preferably the day-length neutral variety 'Ken Aslet', but any would be welcome.

I can swap Yacon, oca or (boring) various seed potatoes, including a French black-fleshed variety of unknown name (possibly 'Negress').
Title: Re: looking for Mashua
Post by: lottiedolly on March 13, 2010, 21:11:12
I am sorry i do not have this to swap, i am posting as i have not heard of this before, what is it Ian and is it going to be the next new tuber we are all going to want to try?
Title: Re: looking for Mashua
Post by: Ian Pearson on March 14, 2010, 09:41:17
Hi Lottiedolly. Another Andean crop. It's a tuber-forming Nasturtium. Nice scrambly foliage and flowers like normal nasturtiums. The tubers have been described as having an 'acquired taste', and are traditionally used by andean Indians as a last resort food crop. Also reputed to be an anti-aphrodisiac.  So probably not going to take over from the potato then!
Title: Re: looking for Mashua
Post by: grannyjanny on March 14, 2010, 14:11:54
The flowers look beautiful scrambling through yew hedges. They have them at Arley Hall & Dunham Massey.
Title: Re: looking for Mashua
Post by: lottiedolly on March 15, 2010, 08:23:07
I shall be on the lookout for it then feed it to hubbie and get a night off.....hee hee  ;)