Practical
Plants

Mirabilis expansa

Mauka

a perennial member of the Mirabilis genus in the family Nyctaginaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
1 m

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Root - dried in the sun then boiled and eaten as a vegetable[1]. The root contains about 7% protein, a good quantity for a root crop[1] and up to 87% carbohydrate on a dry weight basis[2]. Roots can be the size of a man's forearm[2]. Some forms, especially those from Bolivia, contain an astringent substance that can burn the lips and mouth. When exposed to the sun these roots become sweet and are pleasant to eat[2]. Forms grown in Ecuador are not astringent[2]. Roots can be used in sweet or savoury dishes[2]. The cooking water makes an especially flavourful drink[1]. Leaves - raw. Added to salads[1][2]. The leaves contain about 17% protein[2] (this is probably based on the dry weight[K].

Product or use
Drink
Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root

Environment

Range
S. America - Andes.
Habitat
Found at heights above 2700 metres in areas subject to strong winds and near constant chill[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for several years[2]. Division. Dig up roots in the autumn, store in a cool moist frost-free place over the winter and replant in April.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a loose alluvial soil[2]. The plant might be intolerant of frost[2]. The top growth is certainly sensitive to frost, being cut back at temperatures below zero, but the root seems to be much hardier[K]. This species is occasionally cultivated for its edible root in the Andes, there are some named varieties. The plant is said to grow well in cold harsh environments with strong winds[1][2]. Many factors such as the plant's daylength requirement, are unknown but the plant seems to have potential as a crop in temperate areas of the world[2]. In the harsh environments where the plant grows it can take up to 2 years for the crop to mature, though it is usually harvested after a year. Yields of 50 tonnes per hectare after 2 years are possible[2]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[3].

References

  1. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

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  2. Popenoe. H. et al Lost Crops of the Incas National Academy Press 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-309-04264-X

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10↩11↩12↩13↩14

  3. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

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