Arjona patagonica
Macachi
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Santalaceae
- Genus
- Arjona
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
Uses
Edible uses
Tuber - raw or cooked. Prized for eating[3].
- Plant part
- Root
Environment
- Range
- Southern S. America
- Habitat
- Sands and shingle, open grassland and scrub from sea level to 250 metres from Tierra Del Fuego north to latitude 50°s in Chile[3].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cultivation
We have very little information on this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Going by its native habitat it should be very wind resistant and probably requires a light to medium well-drained soil in a sunny position. Is this the same plant that is listed as A. tuberosa. Cav. in [1] and [2]??
References
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202
Moore. D. M. Flora of Tierra del Fuego. Anthony Nelson. 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-904614-05-0