Yacon Smallanthus sonchifolius
ABOUT
Smallanthus sonchifolius, more commonly known as Yacon, is a perennial plant known for its crisp, sweet-tasting tuberous roots. The Yacon plant has large, dark green leaves that are shaped somewhat like arrowheads and can sometimes show a hint of purple. The leaves grow in a spiraling formation on elongated stems which give the plant a bushy appearance. Yacon plants produce small, daisy-like yellow to orange flowers that are often hidden within the upper leaves. These flowers tend to bloom in clusters. Its underground tubers resemble sweet potatoes but with a smoother, more uniform skin that ranges in color from pale yellow to deep reddish or orange-brown, depending on the variety. The flesh of the tuber is juicy and crisp, similar in texture to an apple, and has a translucent, white or light yellow color. It's particularly known for its edible sweetness derived from fructooligosaccharides, which are sugars that are typically not metabolized by the body, making it low in calories. Overall, the Yacon showcases a very lush and robust appearance, with foliage that can provide an ample canopy, and is often grown not just for its tasty roots but also as a decorative plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yacon, Peruvian Ground Apple, Bolivian Sunroot, Earth Apple, Jicama, Sweet-Root, Ground Pear, Subtropical Blood-Tuber, Strawberry Jicama, Apple Of The Earth, Water Root, Peruvian Ground Pear, Diet Potato
Common names
Polymnia edulis, Polymnia sonchifolia, Urospermum sonchifolium.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Smallanthus sonchifolius, commonly known as Yacon, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, Yacon is often cultivated for its edible tubers, which are consumed similarly to a fruit or root vegetable and are known for their sweet taste and health benefits, such as high fiber content. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from Yacon for humans, as it is generally regarded as safe for human consumption.
To pets
The plant Smallanthus sonchifolius, or Yacon, is not widely recognized as toxic to pets. While there is limited research on its effects in animals such as dogs or cats, Yacon is primarily grown for human consumption, and its tubers are considered safe for humans to eat. However, as with any non-traditional food item, it is advisable to exercise caution and consult with a veterinarian before offering Yacon to pets, in case of individual sensitivities or adverse reactions that might occur in animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet [0.91-1.22 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutrition: Smallanthus sonchifolius, commonly known as yacón, is a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Low-Calorie Sweetener: The tubers of yacón contain fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are a low-calorie sweetener suitable for people looking to reduce sugar intake.
- Soil Improvement: Yacón can help improve soil health due to its deep-rooting system which loosens the soil, and its residue which can increase soil organic matter content.
- Pollinator Attraction: Being a flowering plant, yacón attracts beneficial insects such as bees which are vital for pollination of crops and ecological balance.
- Culinary Versatility: The crisp, sweet-tasting tubers of yacón can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into products like syrup and powder, providing versatility in the kitchen.
- Weight Management: Yacón is often included in weight management diets, as it is low in calories yet high in soluble fiber, potentially aiding in satiety.
- Easy Cultivation: Yacón is relatively easy to grow, with resistance to pests and diseases, which makes it suitable for cultivation by amateur gardeners.
Medical Properties- Antidiabetic: Smallanthus sonchifolius, commonly known as Yacon, is traditionally used for regulating blood sugar levels due to its fructooligosaccharides content.
- Prebiotic: Its fructooligosaccharides serve as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health.
- Antioxidant: Yacon contains compounds like phenolics and flavonoids which have potential antioxidant effects, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
- Hepatoprotective: Some studies suggest that Yacon may have liver-protecting properties and could be beneficial for liver health.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to the reduction of inflammation in various conditions.
- Immunomodulatory effects: There is evidence to suggest that Yacon may influence immune system responses.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Yacon syrup production: The tubers of the Yacon plant are used to produce a sweet-tasting syrup that is a low-calorie sweetener alternative for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
- Livestock feed: In some regions, the foliage of the Yacon plant is used as fodder for livestock, particularly during times when other feed may be scarce.
- Natural dye: The leaves of the Yacon plant have been used in traditional cloth dyeing processes for their color properties.
- Ornamental gardening: Due to its large, attractive leaves and bright yellow flowers, Yacon can be grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
- Soil erosion control: Yacon's extensive root system can help hold soil in place, making it useful for preventing erosion in certain agricultural practices.
- Composting ingredient: The plant's foliage can be used as a "green" layer in compost piles, contributing to nutrient recycling in garden ecosystems.
- Culinary innovation: Yacon leaves are sometimes used as a wrapping material for cooking food, similar to banana leaves in other cultures.
- Water purification: In some experiments, the roots of the Yacon plant have been used in the phytoremediation process to help clean contaminated water.
- Biofuel research: There is interest in using Yacon tubers as a potential source for biofuel production due to their high carbohydrate content.
- Handicrafts: In certain cultures, the fibrous material from Yacon plant stems and leaves may be used in the creation of handicrafts and traditional weaving.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yacon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yacon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: The tubers of the yacón are known for their ability to grow and reproduce prolifically. This characteristic leads them to symbolize fertility and abundance.
- Endurance: As a plant that can survive in tough conditions and regrow annually, yacón represents endurance and resilience.
- Health and Wellness: Due to the yacón root's nutritional benefits, including its high prebiotic content, the plant is often associated with health, nourishment, and well-being.
- Sweetness: With its sweet-tasting roots, the yacón is a symbol of sweetness and pleasure, representing the joys in life that are beneficial and wholesome.
- Innovation: Given the yacón’s relatively recent introduction to the global market and its novel use as a natural sweetener, it can symbolize innovation, particularly in the context of sustainable and health-conscious agriculture.
WaterYacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) prefers consistent moisture, so it's best to water it deeply whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering once or twice a week, but make sure to adjust your schedule based on temperature and weather conditions. You may need to water more frequently during hot, dry periods and less often during cooler, rainy spells. Aim to provide the plant with about 1-1.5 gallons of water each time to ensure deep soil penetration, which encourages healthy root growth. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightYacon thrives in full sun conditions, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it will be exposed to unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day. If you live in a particularly hot climate, some afternoon shade can help prevent overheating and sunburn on the plant's leaves.
TemperatureYacon plants prefer a temperature range of 70-90°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate brief periods of colder weather down to around 50°F but will not survive freezing temperatures. It's critical to plant Yacon after the last frost date in your area and to harvest before the first frost, as cold temperatures significantly below 50°F can kill the plant.
PruningPruning yacon is mostly limited to cutting back the tops after the first frost or when the plant naturally dies back at the end of the growing season. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves as they appear throughout the growing period to maintain plant health. Pruning the plant before overwintering involves cutting the stems back to about 6 inches above the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYacon thrives best in a soil mix that's well-draining and rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. A blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingYacon, also known as Peruvian ground apple, generally does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, whichever comes first.
Humidity & MistingYacon plants prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and do not have stringent humidity requirements. They can thrive in average room humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for indoor Yacon growth.
Outdoor
Plant Yacon in full sun with well-draining soil and space to spread.
Hardiness zone
Yacon is suitable for 5-10 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleSmallanthus sonchifolius, commonly known as Yacon, starts its life cycle from small rhizomes or root cuttings planted in early spring. Upon planting, it develops a rosette of large, triangular leaves and begins to accumulate a sweet-tasting tuberous root. Over the summer, Yacon grows vigorously into tall, leafy plants that can reach up to 2 meters high. In late summer to early fall, the plant may produce small, yellow to orange flowers similar to those of sunflowers, though flowering is not essential for tuber development. As the days shorten and temperatures drop in late fall, the tops of the yacon die back, signaling that the tubers are ready for harvest. After the tubers are harvested, the life cycle can be continued by saving and replanting portions of the rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Smallanthus sonchifolius, commonly known as Yacon, primarily propagates through rhizome division, which is the most popular method. It is best propagated in the spring when the threat of frost has passed, providing a long growing season for the plant. To propagate Yacon, gardeners should carefully dig up the crowns after the foliage has died back and the tubers have been harvested. They will find rhizomes attached to the crowns; these rhizomes, often referred to as "propagules," should be divided, ensuring that each propagule has at least one or two bud sites. The separated rhizomes can be planted immediately if the conditions are right or stored in a cool, dry place over winter for spring planting. They are then planted approximately 1 inch deep (2.54 cm) into well-drained soil, spaced about 2 feet (61 cm) apart to allow ample room for growth.
