Canary Creeper Tropaeolum beuthii
ABOUT
Tropaeolum beuthii, commonly known as mashua, is a climbing plant characterized by its distinctive foliage and bright flowers. The leaves of the mashua are usually rounded and slightly lobed, resembling a shield in shape, and they are often a deep green, adding to the lush appearance of the plant. The flowers are one of the most striking features, usually displaying a vibrant orange-red hue that can add a splash of color to any garden setting. These attractive flowers are funnel-shaped and sometimes have darker spots or flashes in their throats, which enhances their ornamental appeal. The mashua also bears tubular structures that connect the flower petals to the center of the bloom. The stems are tender and twining, enabling the plant to climb and sprawl over any available support. Moreover, mashua produces tubers that are similar in texture to a root vegetable, but these are typically concealed underground, and thus do not contribute to the visible appearance of the plant. Overall, mashua has a vivid and exotic look that can make it a focal point in an outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Tropaeolaceae
Synonyms
Beuth's Nasturtium, Chilean Flame Flower, Flame Nasturtium
Common names
Tropaeolum beuthii.
ToxicityTo humans
Tropaeolum beuthii, commonly known as mashua, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. It is primarily grown and consumed for its edible tubers in parts of South America, and the leaves and flowers are also edible. There is no well-documented evidence of the plant being poisonous to humans. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies and intolerances could potentially cause adverse reactions in some people.
To pets
Tropaeolum beuthii, also known as mashua, is not typically listed as toxic to pets. The plant is primarily known for its edible tubers, leaves, and flowers, which are consumed by humans. Information specifically regarding its toxicity to pets is scarce, but given its use as a food crop for humans, it is unlikely to be highly toxic to animals, though individual cases could vary due to specific sensitivities or allergies pets might have. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for them, as they might experience digestive upsets or other unpredictable reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
10 inches (25 cm)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Chile
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Parts: The leaves, flowers, and seeds of Tropaeolum beuthii, commonly known as mashua, can be consumed, adding a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.
- Nutritional Value: Mashua provides valuable nutrients including vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Ornamental Use: With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, mashua serves as an appealing ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes.
- Pest Deterrent: The plant is known to repel certain insects and can be useful in companion planting to protect other crops.
- Soil Improvement: As a part of crop rotation, mashua can help in improving soil health and fertility.
- Culinary Diversity: Mashua offers a unique taste and is used in traditional culinary practices, enriching food culture and diversity.
- Climate Resilience: Being a hardy plant, mashua can grow in a variety of climates, making it a dependable food source in different environmental conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flower Garnish: The vibrant flowers of Tropaeolum (Nasturtium) can be used to add a splash of color and a peppery taste to salads, appetizers, and desserts.
- Natural Food Coloring: The petals of Nasturtium can be used to create a natural yellow or orange food coloring for icing, butter, and pastry.
- Companion Planting: Nasturtiums are often planted in vegetable gardens to repel pests like aphids and squash bugs naturally.
- Culinary Oil Infusion: The flowers and leaves of Nasturtium can be infused in oils to create flavored dressings and marinades.
- Garden Borders: Due to their bright flowers and ease of growth, Nasturtiums can be used as decorative borders in gardens.
- Living Mulch: Nasturtium can act as a living mulch, covering the ground to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Seed Pods as Capers Substitute: Pickled Nasturtium seed pods can be used as a homegrown alternative to capers in recipes.
- Flavorful Butter: Finely chopped Nasturtium leaves and flowers can be mixed into butter to create a uniquely flavored spread.
- Vegetable Wraps: Large Nasturtium leaves can be used as a low-carb wrap substitute for sandwiches and tacos.
- Creative Ice Cubes: Freezing Nasturtium flowers inside ice cubes is a creative way to enhance the presentation of cold beverages.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Tropaeolum, commonly known as nasturtium, typically symbolizes a hardy nature as the plant can thrive in various conditions.
- Victory in Battle: The genus name Tropaeolum is derived from the Greek word 'tropaion', which means trophy. In ancient times, shields and helmets were hung on a post in the battlefield, symbolizing victory. The nasturtium's flowers and leaves resemble these shields and helmets, translating to triumph and conquest.
- Conquest or Victory: Related to victory in battle, nasturtium can represent personal conquests or overcoming obstacles in one's life.
- Optimism: With its vibrant and prolific blooms, nasturtium often symbolizes a positive outlook on life and an ability to see the bright side in adverse situations.
- Hospitality: In some cultures, nasturtiums are planted around the borders of a home to symbolize a welcoming environment and hospitality towards guests.
WaterThe Canary Creeper should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially in hotter, drier climates—aim for about one to one and a half gallons of water per week. In cooler months or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to every other week, ensuring the soil doesn't become waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to let the soil dry to the touch before watering again.
LightThe Canary Creeper prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Place it in a well-lit spot, such as a south or west-facing garden that receives bright, indirect light for the remaining daylight hours. Avoid deep shade as it can stunt growth and reduce flowering.
TemperatureThe Canary Creeper does well in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F and can tolerate a range down to 40°F without significant damage. Keep the plant protected during extreme weather and avoid exposure to frost, as temperatures below 40°F can be harmful to its growth. Ideal conditions involve placing the plant in an area that remains within the aforementioned temperature range throughout the year.
PruningPrune the Canary Creeper to maintain its shape, promote bushier growth, and encourage more blooms. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done every few months during the growing season to remove dead or weak stems and to control the size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Chilean Flame Flower prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand can provide good drainage and aeration, creating an ideal growing medium for this plant. It's important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot in this species.
RepottingChilean Flame Flower doesn't require frequent repotting; it should only be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it has clearly outgrown its current pot. Doing this in spring time is ideal as the plant is entering a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingChilean Flame Flower thrives best in moderate humidity levels, ideally around 40-50%. They can tolerate some variation in humidity, but consistency in the provided range helps in maintaining healthy growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, use well-draining soil, and keep moderately humid.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, partial sun, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleTropaeolum beuthii, commonly known as the Chilean nasturtium, commences its life cycle when seeds germinate in late winter to early spring. These sprout in suitably moist and warm conditions to yield small seedlings. The seedlings quickly develop into mature plants with characteristic rounded leaves and bright yellow to red funnel-shaped flowers during the spring and summer. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers produce fruits that eventually release seeds. These seeds may then enter a period of dormancy through the cooler autumn and winter months, completing the annual cycle. If conditions allow, the Chilean nasturtium can perennialize, regrowing each season from the same root system or self-sowing from fallen seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Tropaeolum beuthii, commonly known as Mashua, is often propagated through its tubers, which is the most popular method. The best time to plant the tubers is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up a bit. To propagate Mashua from tubers, simply plant them about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil and space them approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. The tubers will develop roots and shoots and will eventually grow into mature plants. Mashua vines can climb or trail, so providing some form of support or allowing ample space to spread is beneficial for the plants' development. This propagation method is reliable and helps preserve the characteristics of a particular variety.
