Pachyrhizus

Yam bean ( Pachyrhizus erosus )

Yam bean is the German name for the plant species of the genus Pachyrhizus from the legume family ( Fabaceae ). The genus includes five to six species.

Although these types mentioned crops are closely related to a number of other " beans ", the legumes are consumed, the root tubers are used mainly in the yam bean species; Although the seeds are poisonous but are eaten cooked anyway. The root tubers are used as food and refreshment ( water tank). The seeds, leaves and pods are more or less toxic.

Occurrence

Pachyrhizus have their natural occurrence from Mexico to South America. Three of the species are cultivated in South America, one of which, the yam bean, was transported by galleon from Mexico to the Philippines to Asia centuries ago and there at one of the favorite plants of Chinese gardeners. Although yam bean can thrive in dry and wet, subtropical or tropical climates, they prefer hot climate with average rainfall. Can tolerate drought Yambohnenpflanzen, but are sensitive to frost or waterlogging.

Description

Yam bean are climbing or creeping, herbaceous perennial plant, growing quickly and their stems can reach up to 5 meters in length. They develop many purple or white flowers. The roots are beet -shaped or oblong and up to 5 kg. You can be propagated as seeds or root cuttings.

All yam bean species are crossable with each other and thus form a primary gene pool. The chromosome number is 2n = 22

Use and ingredients

Of the yam bean, only the root flesh is edible, since in all other plant parts contain more or less of the toxic rotenone and its glycosides (except the flower). The root bark peels easily, revealing the juicy, sweet-tasting, potatoes very similar meat that is usually eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked.

Species

In the genus there are about five to six types:

  • Andean tuber bean ( Pachyrhizus ahipa ( Wed. ) Parodi ): cultivated in northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, Peru
  • Yam bean ( Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban, syn. P. angulatus Rich ex DC, P. bulbosus (L.) Kurz, Dolichos L. erosus. . ): Mexico and Central America, cultivated and wild in the tropics of the world.
  • Pachyrhizos ferrugineus ( Piper ) M. Sørensen: Mexico, Central America, parts of Colombia
  • Pachyrhizos panamensis RT Clausen: Panama, parts of Colombia, Ecuador
  • Knoll bean ( Pachyrhizus tuberosus ( Lam.) Spreng, syn. Dolichos tuberosus Lam, Cucara tuberosa ( Lam.) Britt.. ): Ecuador, cultivated in South America.
Rosids Phaseoleae Louis Claude Richard Augustin Pyramus de Candolle Crossbreed Middle America (region)
629201
de