This is only a partial list of the plants and seeds we have available. For our complete illustrated catalog send $2 ($4 international)
In the mid 1980s, at the impressionable age of 12, I was fortunate to be introduced to the vibrant ecological tapestry of Andean Peru during a family Summer trip. Since 1996 I have returned repeatedly to marvel at the unparalleled floristic diversityand explore the rugged mountains of central and southern Peru and adjacent Bolivia, studying the ethnobotany of the region, paying tribute to the land and people, and beginning a long term study of Trichocereus distribution and taxonomy (in conjunction with DNA studies being carried out by Dr. Martin Terry). The Andes are currently one of the most species rich plant-regions in the world, yet it is estimated that less than 10% of its forest remains. With this always in mind, responsible conservation minded collections of seed were made- preservation through distribution and propagation. We have a limited quantity of fascinating species still available along with plants grown from the seed. Purchases will help support future expeditions and the continual study of Andean plant life and ethnobotanical knowledge. See our Rare Plant List for additional offerings.
We have general recommendations for germination and cultivation. Many of these plants are new to cultivation and their needs may prove contrary to our suggestions. Please keep track of the collection numbers and your germination results and let us know! This way you can help contribute to the study and conservation of the remarkable plants of these regions.
Follow this link for our Andean Ethnobiological Field Courses
Andean Collections Photos and Notes 2008
CD/DVD (PC or Mac) with 340 photos of plants, landscapes and archaeological sites from Lima Dept., Cusco and Puno-Peru. Tiwanaku, Isla del Sol, La Paz, and the Yungas regions of Bolivia. List of our seed collections of nearly 200 species with ethnobotanical notes and cultivation suggestions.
$10 postage paid in the USA, foreign orders add $2 shipping
Andean Collections Photos and Notes 2009
CD/DVD containing 350 photos including Peru’s Cusco region, the 3000 year old ruins of Chavin de Huantar, the Cordillera Negra & Blanca, intact highland Polylepis/ Buddleja forests, K. Knize’s nursery, and much more. Includes the list of our complete seed collections.
$10 postage paid in the USA, foreign orders add $2 shipping
Andean Collections Photos and Notes 2010
CD/DVD with 400+ photos from our Spring travels in Cusco, Peru including photos of the seldom visited lush Lares Valley, and Cochabamba, Bolivia where we examined the dryland cactus filled forests of the valleys, the endangered Polylepis forests of the higher mountains and the remote Incan archaeological site Inkallajta. Comes with a complete list of our seed collections with ethnobotanical notes and cultivation suggestions.
$10 postage paid, foreign orders add $2
Andean Collections Photos & Notes Complete Set
3 CD/DVDs of photos plus collection notes from all 3 of our expeditions to Peru & Bolivia 2008, 09 & 10.
$24 postage paid, foreign orders add $4
For additional Andean cactus species see Cactaceae
Please list the BK or NL collection numbers along with the botanical names when ordering!
Agave cordillerensis NL52409
Agavaceae. Clusters of rosettes to 6-8′+. Leaves gray-blue with toothed margins. Flower stalks to 20′+ with curved or sometimes looped branches, yellow flowers. Botanists have dismissed this Andean agave as A. americana, G. Pino recently redescribed it as its own species based on its stouter leaves and radically different flower stalks. A beautiful and versatile plant. Widely planted as impenetrable hedgerows. Unknown in cultivation outside the Andes. N. Logan collection; Luribay, Bolivia, 8,000′. Z7b-8b?
Seed packet $4
3″+ seedling $7.50
Anadenanthera colubrina v. cebil ‘La Paz’ “Vilca”
Fabaceae. Tree 10–30′+ tall. Feathery pinnate leaves. Large flat seedpods to 10″ long, round shiny seed. About half the trees have strange knobbly protuberances on the trunks. Seed purchased from a street vendor in the Witches’ Market, La Paz, Bolivia. The dominant tree in much of the nearby Yungas dryland forests where the seed was originally harvested. Once one of the most important religious plants throughout the Andes, playing a central role in the spread of the Tiwanaku culture. The seeds are also used as an external head wash for headache, and reportedly as an abortificent. The astringent bark is used for the lungs and wound healing. A leaf infusion is said to “bring about a period of fervor in cows”…which we’ll leave to your imagination. Drought tolerant. Z9b–10a
Treelet $16
Aristeguietia discolor BK08518.2 “Asmachilcha”
Asteraceae. Attractive shrub 5–8′. Thick resinous lanceolate leaves, dark green on top and whitish undersides. Clusters of pale lavender colored flowers. Above Pisac, near 11,000′, Cusco Dept., Peru. Asmachilcha is a very important medicinal, useful for its powerful bronchodilating and mucus drying actions. Also burned to make ash for llipta. Z9b?
Seed packet $4
Baccharis incarum BK08602.1 “T’ula”
Asteraceae. A pretty rounded shrub to 18″ tall and 24″ wide. Cream white flowers. Small serrated leaves, resinous with a spicy scent. Abundant on the dry sandstone hills of Isla del Sol, Bolivia, 12,500′+. Local shaman Lucio Ticono told us that boiling a handful of the plant makes a spicy brew that generates an “achuma like” effect. In northern Argentina it is used as a tea with antiseptic, carminative, antipyretic properties and a painkiller for muscle and bone aches. Infused in ethanol it is rubbed externally for rheumatism and inflammation. Studies show these southern populations of the plant to contain flavonoids and xanthines with strong antimicrobial and antioxidant actions. As far as we know the northern Bolivian populations have not been studied. Easy, sun and well drained soil. Should be drought hardy. Rooted cuts. Z8a and beow
6–8″+ plant $16.50
Begonia baumanii BK10509.8 “Killu killu” “Graniso t’ika”
Begoniaceae. Medium size tuber with beautiful round crinkled leaves to 6″ diameter. Large rose colored flowers on 2′ stalks. Growing on rock outcrops above the ruins of Inkallajta, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia. This lovely endemic is reported to be used in rain rituals. The tubers are chopped and used to curdle milk for making cheese, said to impart an interesting flavor. Used as a mordant for dying. This species favors succulent or rock garden culture in captivity. The caudex like tuber will appeal to the lover of fat bulbous appendages on plants. New to cultivation! Z8/9?
Seed packet $4.50
Plant $9.50
Blechnum? BK10512.10
Blechnaceae. Unusual and distinct fern with a rosette of thick compound leaves on a small trunk to about 12″ tall, like a miniature cycad. Polylepis lanata forest understory and edges. Above Rio Lope Mendoza, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia. We are pretty sure as to the genus, yet our fern knowledge is very spotty, but many years ago we saw Blechnum form small tree ferns at high altitudes in southern Peru. Z8?
Spore packet $4
Bomarea sp. BK08517.13 “Sullu sullu”
Alstroemeriaceae or Liliaceae. Twining vine with simple leaves. Flowers not yet seen. Growing on dry scrub around the Incan amphitheater-like ruins of Moray, Cusco Dept., Peru. 80+ species of these fantastic climbing lilies are to be found in Peru. Also known regionally as “ramos-ramos”, “orq-orqo” or “paicha-paicha”, some species are used to treat venereal disease, infertility, kidney pain and hemorraging. Many have edible tubers. The young shoots are eaten, and the seeds have a sweet coating that is sucked on as a pastoral child’s treat. All have extremely showy clusters of multicolored tubular flowers and ornamental seed pods. Should be hardy to at least Z8b.
Plant $8.50
Bomarea sp. BK08526.8 “Sullu sullu”
Twining vine with simple leaves, lightly pubescent on the undersides. Growing on the Incan ruins of Raqchi, southern Andean Peru. We’re still waiting for this one to flower so we can identify it, but all species have extremely showy clusters of multicolored tubular flowers and ornamental seed pods. Should be hardy to at least Z8b.
Plant $8.50
Bomarea sp. BK10509.3
Twining vine to 8′+. Large seed pods with sweet red seeds. Flowers unseen, but all Bomarea bear gorgeous clusters of tubular flowers, edible tubers, etc. Growing near the Incan ruins of Inkallajta, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 10,000′. Z8a/9a?
Plant 1-2 years old $8.50
Inquire for additional Bomarea species
Buddleja coriacea BK08528.1 ”Colle” “Puna Kiswar”
Buddlejaceae. Of all the Buddleja, this species is undoubtedly the matriarch, the resplendent queen. Rounded bush or tree 8 to 30′. Stems densely packed with small leathery leaves, shiny on top, white underneath. Rounded clusters of pale orange to red flowers adorn the ends of the branches. From a distance it looks like an olive tree. Seed from the modern town of Tiwanaku, near the ancient ruins, Bolivia, over 13,000′. One of the few trees that is hardy up to 15,000′+, and a key species of the now mostly extinct highland Andean forest. Widely planted by the Inca and increasingly planted in the Andes for its beauty and many uses, though unknown in other parts of the world. Seems perfectly adaptable to low elevation cultivation. Flowers and stems are made into a tea for flu and coughs, pneumonia, photosensitivity, stomach ailments, utero tonic, and for post-partum health. An important dye plant. Drought tolerant and hardy to Z5b-6b if kept relatively dry.
Seed packet $5
12″+ plant $15
Calceolaria sp. BK08519.8
Scrophulariaceae. Shrub to 5′+. Large lemon yellow pouch flowers. Collected on soaking wet terraces in the Kitamayo Gorge below the tombs of Pisac, about 11,000′, Peru. We have fallen in love with the inflated beauty of the “pouch flower”. There is an awesome diversity of species in the Andes and this one is exceptional for its size and garden worthiness. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Canna edulis “Achira” - see our Andean Tubers page
Cheilanthes bonariensis BK10426.3
Pteridaceae. Attractive xerophytic fern with erect grey to silver blue fuzzy leaves to 6″+. Growing on rocks, descent from Pumamarca, Cusco Dept., Peru, 10,800′. May be chewed like coca leaf, other Cheilanthes and Polypodium ferns have been reported as coca substitutes. These rock ferns can be grown like succulents and are drought tolerant, the fronds curling up when dry. Z8a/b
Plant 1+ year old $9.50
Chenopodium pallidicaule La Paz ”Kaniwa” “Iswalla Hupa”
Chenopodiaceae. Weedy annual 1-2′ tall. A semi-domesticate, cultivated in the altiplano regions of Peru and Bolivia. Grows where its close kin quinoa and kiwicha (or any grain) will not-dry, salty, and cold regions over 13,000′. The small seed is extremely nutritious, about 16 percent protein, even the leaves are protein and calcium rich. Unknown outside the Andes, worth experimenting with as a crop. Seed from La Paz, Bolivia. Z6?
Seed packet $3.50
Chenopodium quinoa ‘Quri’ “Gold Quinoa”
Rare heirloom Peruvian quinoa with pale yellow to deep orange seed. Annual stalks 3–5′ tall, the flower heads are a medley of color, from yellow to pinks and pale purples. A long season variety. “Quri” is the Quechua word for “gold.”
Seed packet $3.75
Chenopodium quinoa v. melanospermum BK10505.2 “Ajara” “Quinoa negro”
Heirloom Bolivian quinoa with blackish seed and rich flavor. Bolivia is the world’s major producer of this extremely nutritious and delicious grain. Seed from Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Seed packet $3
Coriaria ruscifolia BK08524.16 (=Coriaria thymifolia)
Coriaraceae. Leafy shrub to about 3-6′. Long arching leaves made up of may small leaflets. Drupes of tiny purpleblack berries, like a string of jewels. Collected just above Lares Hotsprings, Cusco Dept. Peru, about 11,000′. Nitrogen fixing plants, often considered poisonous. Berries of Ecuadorian populations are used to induce a feeling of flying. Distinct from the Chilean form of this species we offer. Beautiful red leaf stems. So far they are only toelrant of a little frost, may be hardier wn mature. Z9a-b
Seed packet $5 (very limited!)
Plant $16
Coriaria ruscifolia v. microphylla? BK09430.4 (=Coriaria thymifolia) “Mio-mio”
Small leafy shrub to about 2′. Arching, fern-like leaves made up of may small leaflets. Drupes of tiny purple-black berries. The plant and seeds are more diminutive than what we collected in 2008 at Lares, may be closer to the original C. thymiolia v. microphylla. Nitrogen fixing toxic medicinal. Source of a purple dye. Collected at 8,800′, Cusco Dept. Z9a-b
Plant $15
For additional Coriaria species see our Chilean offerings
Corryocactus brevistylus BK09424.1 “Sanky”
Cactaceae. Attractive Trichocereus peruvianus-like columnar cactus from southern Peru. Stems 10–20′ tall, spines up to 9″ long! Yellow tubular flowers and softball size fruit. Fruit purchased at one of the large traditional markets in Lima city. The flesh of the huge fruit is amazingly sour, as acidic as a lemon. Considered a liver and kidney tonic. We blended the pulp with a little honey-water to make a delicious and refreshing sanky-ade. More tolerant of cold and aridity than any lemon tree, could substitute in areas where lemons can’t grow. Z8b
Seed packet $4
Cyclanthera explodens BK09506.2 ”Achukcha” “Wild Caigua”
Cucurbitaceae. Clambering tendrilled vine with 3-lobed leaves, small yellow/white flowers and 1–2″ inflated fruit covered in small prickles. When the fruit is fully ripe it “explodes”, launching the seed up to several meters. This wild caigua is often seen for sale in the local markets, being used for food and medicine the same way the cultivated species is. The small fruits are excellent cooked in soups or stir-fry. From seed collected in Huaraz, Ancash Dept., Peru. Will perennialize in mild climates, otherwise grow like an annual cucumber, giving the vine plenty of room. Z9b
6 seed $3.50
Cyclanthera pedata “Caigua”
Tendrilled annual vine with palmate leaves and peculiar inflated green fruit to 6″, often lightly prickled. A popular food in South America, another “lost” Incan crop, with a flavor similar to artichoke. The hollow fruit is cooked and eaten, usually stuffed with vegetables and meat or added to soups. The flesh is also an important medicinal, being a strong anti-inflammatory and flushing cholesterol from the body. The whole plant is considered a brain tonic. A delectable veetable hat deserves much wider cultivation. Grow like cucumber. Z9b
10 seed $3.50
Cypella herrerae? BK10430.1 “Michi-michi”
Iridaceae. Grass-like leaves to 18″. Large iridescent blue flowers with yellow splotches, a true jewel of a blossom. Near the Wari ruins of Pikillacta south of Cusco City, Peru, 10,700′. The bulb of some species is edible and used medicinally for cough and inflammation. Cold stratify, slow germination over 3-18 months. Z8/9
Seed packet $4
Cyphomandra betacea “Tree Tomato” “Tamarillo”
Solanaceae. Fast growing shrub from 6–20′ tall, usually with a single upright trunk. Large heart shaped leaves. Self fertile white flowers. Egg sized, yellow/orange to deep red edible fruit. A cultivar from the mid to low elevation Andes, unknown in its wild state. Grown throughout the subtropics and on a commercial scale in New Zealand for over 70 years. Prolific fruiter, mature trees up to 40+ lbs of fruit a year. The fruit has a bitter skin, but the flesh varies from sweet to acid, similar to a tomato or tomatillo. Typically the yellow or orange fruit is sweeter and fruitier while the red is more acidic. Z9b
(Specify your preference of seed from Red or Orange fruit)
Seed packet $3
Cyphomandra betacea ‘Tarija’ – Seed from Tarija southern Bolivia, where it is thought that the tree tomato was originally domesticated.
Seed packet $3.50
Dioscorea sp. BK08605.3 “Andean Yam”
Dioscoreaceae. Medium sized vine from a large underground caudex. Shiny heart shaped leaves. Growing on dryland shrubs, Anandenanthera colubrina trees, and the bizzare columnar cactus Yungasocereus inquisivensis. 1 km past the vast Tiwanaku/Incan ruins of Pasto Grande, Sud Yungas, Bolivia, about 6,000′. Seed has sprouted irregularly for us over a 2 year period, so be patient!. Z9b?
5 seed $3
Dioscorea sp. BK10509.2 “Andean Yam”
Vine to 10′+, large heart shaped leaves. Possibly one of the “tortoise-shell” caudex forming species. Growing on Alnus trees next to the river, near Inkallajta, Cochabamba, Bolivia, near 10,000′. Dioscorea seed may have delayed germination, up to 6-12+ months. Z8b/9b?
10 seed $4
Echeveria chiclensis BK08612.6
Crassulaceae. Large rosettes to 10″ or more. Slender leaves are blue-green, blushed an amorous purple or red. Deep-yellow flowers with orange hues. Crassulaceae expert Guillermo Pino took us to see this lovely species growing amongst scrub next to the embankment on the side of the road near Chicla, Lima, Peru, 12,000′. Z8b–9a and lower
1.5–2″ plant 2–3 years old $8.50
Echeveria chiclensis v. backbergii BK08612.2
Blue-grey rosettes to 6″. Slender pointed leaves, yellow flowers blushed orange. Similar to some of the California Dudleya. Growing on rocks, often is association with Trichocereus peruvianus. Near Matucana, 8,600′, Lima Dept., Peru. Echeveria are used medicinally in Peru for cataracts and earache. Sprout like cacti. Z9a and lower
Seed packet $5
Inquire for plants
Echeveria sp. nova? BK09514.1
Forms 6″+ rosettes of slender bright-green to dark purple-green leaves, peach colored flowers. Growing on steep rock cliffs with Tillandsia species and an impressive population of serpent-like Trichocereus peruvianus, Fortaleza Canyon, on the descent from Conacocha and well before Cajacay, Ancash Dept, about 10,000′. This plant shows some affinity with E. chiclensis, but G. Pino thinks it may be a new species or subspecies. Z9a or b? maybe lower
1.5–2″ plant 2–3 years old $9.50
Inquire for additional Echeveria species
Elaphoglossum engelii? BK10428.4
Dryopteridaceae. A fern with clusters of upright linear leaves to 5–8″, larger at lower altitudes. Front side of the leaves is grey-green and the back side is black with the spore mass making an attractive contrast. Just above Huacahuasi, Cusco Dept., Peru, 12,700′. Growing with Brachyotum shrubs and a small Vaccinium sp. Z7–8?
Spore packet $4
Ephedra americana BK10504.1 ”Sano-sano”
Ephedraceae. Xerophytic leafless shrub 2–4′ tall. Small red edible fruit a bit more papery than most. Somewhat resembles the Chilean Ephedra breana. Companion plant to Trichocereus bridgesii, Prosopis sp., Puya sp., Oreocereus pseudofossulatus, Corryocactus melanotrichus, etc. Abundant on the shale soil and steep slopes above Huachjilla, La Paz, Bolivia. In some parts of Bolivia it is made into a “coffee” and the herbage is often used for firestarting. Widely regarded urinary tonic and treatment for lung congestion. Z8 or 9a
6–8″+ plant 1+ year old $12.50
Ephedra aff. rupestris BK09511.2
Dwarf species with individual stems 1–6″ tall, tasty red berries. Forms dense mounds to 1–2′ across. Distinctly different than the high altitude miniature species we collected in 2008 in the Cusco region. Open puna grassland and rock outcrops, growing with Oroya borchersii, Matucana spp. and Austrocylindropuntia floccosa. 13,200′, Cordillera Negra, Ancash Dept., Peru. Perfectly adaptable to low elevation cultivation, though it does not grow as compact. One of our favorites. Z5–6?
4″+ Plant 3 years old $14
For additional Ephedra species see our Succulents/Xerophytes offerings
Escallonia resinosa BK10509.4 ”Chachacomo”
Saxifragaceae or Escalloniaceae. Tree to 20′+, forms a thickened gnarled trunk with age. Smaller leaves than E. resinosa we’ve seen in Peru. Spires of sweetly scented white flowers adorn the branch ends. Growing along the ravine that splits the ruins of Inkallajata, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 10,000′. A decoction of the plant is used as a cerebral tonic and carminative. A cataplasm of the wood is used to alleviate arthritis and rheumatism. The hardwood is used in construction and in Cusco the young shoots are woven into baskets for storing potatoes. The leaves produce a reddish to purple dye. In southern Peru this tree is the host plant for the butterfly Metardaris cosinga whose chrysalis (known as “huaytampu”) is considered a delectable food. Chachacomo is another keystone species of the mostly extinct high Andean forests, occurs up to 13,000′+. This wonderful tree should be widely planted. Z7/8?
10-12″+ treelet $15
Eustephia? sp. BK03
Amaryllidaceae. Medium size bulb with slender green leaves. Flower stalk to 12″ bearing clusters of pendant tubular flowers; lavender tipped green. From seed we collected along Incan stairs, Pisac, Cusco Dept., Peru in 1996. Offsets with age, forming nice clusters. In northern Peru the bulb is used for wound healing, arthritis, and to undo witchcraft. Easy to grow, Winter dormant for us. Give it a dry Summer to encourage flowering. Z8b
3 small bulbs $5.50
Inquire for other Andean bulbs
Gaultheria brachybotrus BK09512.4 “Awinchu”
Ericaceae. Clambering shrub to about 2′. New leaves are reddish and covered in a soft downy fuzz, later becoming dark green and leathery. Clusters of bell-like pink flowers and black edible berries. Used for bronchitis. Growing at the base of boulders, Polylepis forest, Cordillera Blanca, 12,200′, Ancash Dept. Give it part shade and moist acid soil. A gorgeous species. Z7/8?
Plant, 3 years old $11.50
Grindelia boliviana BK10423.1 ”Ch’iri ch’iri”
Asteraceae. Small herb to about 12″, resinous aromatic leaves and yellow daisy flowers. Similar to our native Californian species. Growing with arid scrub, descent to the town of Pisac, Cusco Dept., Peru, 10,300′. This modest plant is an extremely important medicinal in the southern Andes, used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for sore muscles and rheumatism, wound healing and fractures, various infections, and kidney pains. Z8–9?
Seed packet $4
Harrisia tetracantha BK10508.3 (=Roseocereus tephracanthus) “Ulala” “Pasakana”
Cactaceae. Candelabra cactus with cylindrical stems to 10′+, white spines. White to pinkish funnelform flowers and green to reddish fruit with sweet white flesh, 2–3″ diameter, widely eaten in the region. Prosopis forest, Tiatako, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 7,500′. A plant that has done a lot of name hopping, it has been classified as Eriocereus and even Trichocereus. This was by far the most common cactus species we encountered throughout the mid elevations of Cochabamba Dept., near Aquile and Mizque we saw huge stands to 20′+ tall made up of hundreds of stems. The juice of the stems of the closely related H. tortuosus is reported to produce lethargy when drunk and is used to treat epilepsy and other nervous system problems. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Hypericum laricifolium BK09512.1 ”Chinchancu” “Romerillo”
Hypericaceae. Soft feathery shrub to 6′ tall. Small dense acicular leaves. Yellow St. John’s Wort flowers. Source of a yellow dye. Used medicinally as a diuretic and shown to have antibacterial and antiinflammatory actions. Bird and bee forage. The dominant shrub above the eastern end of Orconococha, 13,000′, Ancash Dept., Peru. This was probably once Polylepis forest that was cut for cattle grazing, this Hypericum is a pioneer species on disturbed lands in the eastern slopes of the northern Andes. Z7?
6-8″+ plant 2+ years old $9.50
Iochroma australe
Solanaceae. Leafy shrub to 10′. Clusters of 1.5″ blue trumpet-shaped flowers, like a miniature Brugmansia! Southern Bolivia and Argentina. The taxonomy of this elegant plant is ever shifting, it has paraded as Acnistus, Dunalia, and Eriolarynx. Contains withanolides. A fantastic specimen plant, hardier than most of its kin. Z8b
Seed packet $3
Lepechinia meyenii BK08524.17 ”Salvinol”
Labiatae. Salvia like groundcover to 3″ tall and spreading to 12″ or more. Aromatic lime-green leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Collected above Lares, Cusco, Peru. Made into tea for stomach pains, colds & flu, coughs, rheumatism, headaches, nervousness and menopause. Makes an excellent medicinal groundcover, hardy and fairly drought tolerant. Z8-9?
Seed packet $4
Lepidium “Maca” - see our Andean Tubers page
Mimulus cupreus “Flor de Cobre”
Scrophulariaceae. Low growing perennial to 1′. Prodigious bloomer of 1″ open flared trumpets that range from dark yellow to burnt orange/red, with shades in between. Holubec collection, Neuquen, Argentina. Native to stream edges and boggy areas of the high Andes. Does great in pots. Surface sow seed. Z6b
Seed packet $2.75
Minthostachyssp BK10509.16 “Muña”
Labiatae. Shrub to 6′+, all parts highly aromatic, similar to pennyroyal. Small white flowers in dense heads along the stem nodes. Near the Rio Machajmarca below the ruins of Inkallajta, Bolivia. This is a much larger plant than the diminutive M. andina that we are familiar with from around Cusco. Popular digestive aid, nervine and antiparasitical. Also reported as an aphrodisiac. The essential oil is said to help with altitude and is used externally for skin fungus. This lovely plant is sometimes used as a flavoring in soups. Z9a
10 seed $4
Nasella sp. BK08520.1 ”Ichu”
Poaceae. A beautiful perennial bunch grass to 2′ with airy flower panicles. Belying our grass knowledge, we originally listed this as Festuca, but we have now keyed it to Nasella. Used for thatching roofs. Collected at 13,000′, above the town of Taucca, Cusco Dept., Peru. Growing with Stipa ichu, both are nurse plants for Austrocylindropuntia floccosa. An elegant small bunch grass for the landscape. Z5a-b?
Seed packet $3
Neoraimondia sp. NL051008b “Cardon”
Cactaceae. Distinct and awesome chunky columnar cactus to 8′. Collected by N. Logan on the dry slopes of Cerro Purgatorio above the ancient Tucume pyramids and Prosopis forests, northern Peru. Reported additive to San Pedro brews. Z10a
Seed packet $4
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii JL1635 ”Achacana”
Cactaceae. Spherical cactus to about 4″ diameter with dark green triangular tubercles. Curved spines, lilac-pink flowers and reddish fruit. Distributed from the altiplano of Bolivia to northern Argentina, from 10,000–13,000′+. The whole cactus is considered a kind of potato, it is gathered by the tens of thousands each summer, skinned, cooked and eaten. It is said to be very tasty and is a significant source of vitamin K, calcium and zinc. The pulp is also a remedy for stomach ailments and made into a drink for kidney and liver disease. There is some concern that harvesting may endanger the plant, but it has yet to be clarified how wild populations are impacted. Well worth cultivating as an unusual food plant. Needs strong light and gritty soil. Z7a or below.
Seed packet $4
Nicotiana paniculata BK00.1 ”Tobacco” “Qhamasayri”
Solanaceae. Unusual annual tobacco species we collected in 2000 at Moray; an amazing Incan agricultural center at 12,000′ in Peru. Rounded leaves and stems to 3-4′. Lightly variegated flowers: green, yellow and white. A rare and wonderful plant. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Nicotiana tomentosiformis “Wild Tobacco”
Rare perennial species with leafy upright stalks to 10′. Large mouthed dark pink flowers. As the name suggests, it resembles N. tomentosa but never reaches the size of that arborescent species. Endemic to the Yungas region of Bolivia. Genetic studies suggest it may be one of the parent species of the cultivated tobacco (N. tabacum), being hybridized millennia ago with N. sylvestris and N. otophora. Z9b/10a
Seed packet $4.50
Nicotiana rustica BK09508.1 “Tutuma” “Chavin Tobacco”
Round leaved annual to 3–6′ with yellow-green flowers. Sacred tobacco, we thought this was N. thrysiflora, but now that it has flowered for us at home it is clear that it is a distinct Nicotiana rustica strain. Heated leaves are used for rheumatism. From our collection at the edge of cultivated fields just north of the town of Chavin, Ancash Dept., Peru, 10,000′. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Nicotiana tabacum ‘Bolivian Criollo’ “Black Tobacco”
Annual with large sticky leaves, pink tubular flowers. This is a criollo strain grown locally in Bolivia, the region in which it is believed N. tabacum was originally domesticated. Traditionally cured as a “negro”, a dark, strong smoke. Z10a
Seed packet $4
For additional Nicotiana species see our Medicinals page
Oenothera sp. BK10511.4
Onagraceae. Erect plant to 12-24″ tall with slender dark green leaves blushed purple. Deep fiery orange primrose flowers all along the stalk. One of the nicest primrose we’ve met. Rocky area amongst Puya raimondii, Cordillera de Vacas, near Rodeo, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 13,300′. Leaves of Oenothera species are used for wound healing in the Andes. Has done very well in our garden, a superb ornamental. Z6–7?
Seed packet $3.25
Oxalis tuberosa “Oca” - see our Andean Tubers page
Lagenaria siceraria ‘Cusco’ “Gourd”
Cucurbitaceae. Large sprawling annual vine. Heirloom Incan variety, produces 6–10″ round gourds. Traditionally used for all manner of utility. Z9b?
Seed packet $3
Pachyrhizus ahipa “Ajipa” - see our Andean Tubers page
Passiflora gracilis BK09426.2
Passifloraceae. Miniature passionflower vine with tendrilled stems to 3–5′ and 3 part leaves. Small pink flowers to 1″ across hang downward. Green to orange oblong fruit 1/2–1″ long, filled with a sweet tangy pulp and edible seeds. We are excited to introduce this delightful floriferous dwarf species from seed collected at Pisac, Cusco, Peru, near 10,500′. 2–8 weeks to germinate warm. Z9a–b?
Seed packet $4
Genus Peperomia
Piperaceae. Huge tropical and subtropical genus of well over 1000 species, most occur in Central and South America. Close kin to such notables as black pepper and kava-kava. Typically small plants, many of which are succulent, with a shocking and joyous diversity of morphological expression. With a few exceptions, the resplendent beauty of these plants is in their exceptional gem-like leaf forms rather than their slender flower spikes. Peperomia are vital to Andean ethnomedicine and ceremony. Their wondrous aromas and flavors when crushed or chewed, etherial combinations of balsam, lemon, mint and safrole, are a revelation. Used traditionally for wound healing, digestive health, as painkillers, tranquilizers, condiments, to freshen breath, to make chicha and to ceremonially “cleanse and flower subtle energies”. Their complex essential oils and other compounds have passed the approval of those high priests of modern culture; the white lab coated scientist and shown significant antibiotic, antiparasitic and wound healing actions in controlled laboratory studies. Other than a few Peperomia popular as common houseplants, most species and their beneficial nature are unknown outside their native habitats. Thanks to the encouragement of police colonel/plastic surgeon/linguist/ethnobotanist and Peperomia expert, Guillermo Pino, we have become inspired by these marvelous plants. We are propagating an increasing number which will be available for distribution in the future. See the Rare Plant List for additional species.
Peperomia dolabriformis v. multicaulis GP1909 ”Congona”
Beautiful, upright, heavily branching succulent species 1–2′ tall. Thick handsome leaves, pleasantly aromatic when crushed. Yellow flower spikes. Seed of this new varietal collected by G. Pino in Cajamarca Dept., San Marcos Prov., Peru. Road from San Marcos to Cajabamba, near La Grama, 7100′. Used as a topical painkiller and anti-inflammatory. Z10a
3″+ seedling 2–3 years old $10
Peperomia galioides BK09423.2 ”Congona Macho”
Sprawling clusters of upright green succulent stems 10–15″ tall. Whorls of emerald succulent leaves, yellow flower spikes. Growing on steep slopes with Trichocereus peruvianus, Echeveria chiclensis v. backbergii and Carica candicans, below Huariquina, Lima Dept., Peru, 7,600′. Said to be the most important medicinal Peperomia by Pino, used for “everything”- an effective painkiller, compress for wound healing, calming sedative, even for hair loss! The plant contains quinones, sesquiterpenes and over 70 other compounds in the essential oil including limonene, eugenol, safrole, etc. Extracts have shown to be effective against staph infection and the deadly chagas and leishmaniasis parasites. Has a delicious balsam with a hint of lemon aroma when crushed. We love to chew this plant! Z9b
2+ year old plant $11.50
Peperomia galioides BK10424.1 ”Congona Macho”
Large clusters of upright green succulent stems 6–12″ tall. Whorls of succulent leaves, yellow flower spikes. Growing on steep rocky slopes with decumbent Trichocereus cuzcoensis, Tillandsia spp., Sedum sp., Cheilanthes, near Lamay, Cusco, Peru, 9,600′. Has a delicious balsam with a hint of lemon aroma when crushed. Seed can take 4–8 + weeks to germinate (sometimes much longer), sprout like cacti. Z9b
Seed packet $4.50
Peperomia aff. galioides BK09425.1 ”Congona”
The mother plants looked to be P. galioides, yet these seedlings seem distinct. Possibly a natural hybrid with P. lanuginosa? Red or green stems, alternate succulent leaves, yellow flower spikes. Great aroma and flavor when crushed. Seed collected from rock outcrops on the steep slopes above the acequia just north of the town Pisac, Cusco Dept., Peru, near 10,000′. Growing with Echeveria sp., Pilea serpyllacea, Oxalis sp., Tillandsia sp. Give it a bright warm spot, but dislikes extreme heat. Good houseplant. Z9b
2+ year old plant $9.50
Peperomia inaequalifolia ‘Lachay’ “Congonita”
Small upright plants to 4–6″. Whorls of small rounded succulent leaves, lime to yellow green in color. Has an energizing and refreshing balsam-lemon scent when crushed. This is the small wild form of the cultivated species. Many medicinal uses like P. galioides, in northern Peru it is smoked or added to food for forgetting emotional pain and strengthening the heart. This form comes to us from G. Pino and was originally collected in the foothuills of the Andes, a unique mist fed ecosystem known as Lomas de Lachay, Lima Dept., Peru. Differs some from our Ancash collection of the species. Z9b
3–4″ plant 2+ years old $9.50
Peperomia lanuginosa? BK09428.3 “Pukacongona”
Upright to sprawling succulent species with whorls of 4 soft elliptic leaves with reddish undersides, red stems and yellow flower spikes. Excellent balsam scent. Growing in the shade of a large rock at the Incan ruins of Pumamarca, Cusco Dept., Peru, 12,000′. Z9b or below
2–4″+ plant 2+ years old $9.50
Peperomia pellucida “Lingua de Sapo” “Shiny Bush” “Pansit-pansitan”
Annual succulent 5–15″+ tall, shiny heart shaped leaves, yellow-green flower spikes. Found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. The entire plant has an attractive aromatic scent when crushed. A highly versatile panacea, it is used for wound healing, skin & eye problems, headaches, colds & coughs, fevers, sore throat, rheumatism, upset stomach, as a topical pain killer, diuretic and for kidney and prostate problems. In Brazil it is used to lower cholesterol. Studies in India suggest that extracts of the plant have psyschoactive diazepam-like effects. Pharmocological research has shown the plant to have analgesic, antifungal, anticancer and antiinflammatory properties and broad spectrum antibiotic actions. The leaves are also very tasty and are popular in salads and stir-fries in Asia. Surface sow seed. Prefers warmth and filtered sun. Reseeds easily. Z10a
Seed packet $4
Peperomia peruviana BK10423.2 “Puku puku” “Inti-killa papa”
Small round perennial tubers which produce annual peltate circular leaves to 1″ diameter and yellow inflorescences. The balsamy scent of the crushed leaves is considered calming and they are chewed for oral hygiene. Growing in Incan walls just above the town of Pisac, Cusco, Peru, 10,000′. Good germination after 8 weeks warm. Z8?
Seed packet $4
inquire for plants
Peperomia strawii
Small succulent to 4–6″ with densely arranged slender pale green leaves, windowed upper surface. Endemic to the upper watershed of the Río Marañón, Huamachuco, La Libertad Dept., Peru. A beautiful odd plant. Alluringly aromatic when crushed. Strong light and mineral soil. Z10a/b
1–2″ plant 2-3 years old $9.50 (limited)
Peperomia sp. RRP999
Unique succulent species with rosettes of slender warted leaves, pale green to golden in color, with a windowed upper surface. Large branched inflorescence. El Chagual, upper Maranon drainage, La Libertad, Peru. Z10a
Seed packet $3
For additional Peperomia species see our Succulents/Xerophytes offerings
Pernettya prostrata BK09512.3 ”Macha-macha”
Ericaceae. Evergreen subshrub to 18″. Pink or red stems with small leaves, dark green and shiny. Bell shaped white flowers followed by black berries. The berries are said to be edible but if too many are eaten cause a kind of inebriation. The Quechua name “macha-macha” means “drunken”. Growing amongst rocks, streamside, Polylepis weberbaueri forest, 12,200′, Ancash Dept., Peru. Z7a
4–6″ plant 3 years old $10
Pernettya prostrata BK10511.3
Miniature form of this widespread species, to only 2″ tall, creeping to 10–12″ across. White flowers and small black fruits, fairly sweet. Growing next to spring-fed acequia just below Puya raimondii populations, near Rodeo, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 13,100′. Perfect for rock gardens or as an edible ground cover. Z6 or 7?
Seed packet $4
Pernettya sp. BK08524.6 ”Concapas”
Rounded evegreen subshrub to 2.5′. White bell flowers, abundant pink to cream colored berries, up to 1/2″ diameter. Near Huacahuasi, Cusco, Peru, 12,300′. The local name means “to forget”, because it is said you forget everything else while you are hunched over the bush munching the sweet fruit. This may also allude to some mild inebriating property as some P. prostrata are reported to cause delirium if eaten in excess. An attractive shrub, acid soil, should handle drought once established. Z8a?
Plant 3-4 years old $12.50
For additional Pernettya species see our Chilean offerings
Phacelia pinnatifida BK08519.15
Hydrophyllaceae. Herbaceous plant to 2′. Strongly dissected sticky leaves. Curiously curled flower stalks with blue purple flowers, attracts butterflies. Growing amongst arid scrub below Pisac ruins, Cuco Dept., Peru. Z9a-b?
Seed packet $3
Phaseolus lunatus “Lima Bean” “Butterbean”
Fabaceae. Annual bush or pole bean with large nutritious beans. Domesticated by coastal cultures of Peru around 4000 years ago. We have 2 varieties.
‘Mantequilla’ Large pure white beans, rich buttery flavor. Grown in Lima Dept., Peru. Seed packet $2.50
‘Castaña’ Cream and dark maroon swirled beans, chestnut like flavor. Pole bean. AKA Christmas or Speckled Calico Lima. Seed packet $2.75
Physalis peruviana BK09507.2 ”Aguaymanto” “Cape Gooseberry” “Goldenberry”
Solanaceae. Herbaceous plant to 2′. Downy leaves, yellow flowers and cherry size yellow fruit encapsulated in a papery husk. The sweet fruit is relished throughout the Andes, often made into jams. The plant is drunk as a tea as a diuretic, anthelmintic and to dilate the uterus during childbirth. Can survive some frost, regrowing from the roots in Spring, otherwise treat as an annual. This Andean weed is now being marketed in the U.S. as “Inca Berry” or “Goldenberry”. Collected near the ancient ruins of Chavin, Ancash Dept., Peru. Z8b
Seed packet $3.25
Pilea serpyllacea BK10425.1 “Kaka uvas uvas”
Urticaceae. 2–5″ succulent with densely packed miniature round leaves that turn bright red in sunlight. The backs of the leaves are like a clear window. Grows on exposed rocks throughout the highlands of Cusco. Surely one of the most unique plants in the nettle family. Used as a tea for urinary and kidney health, the small leaves are eaten by children. Seed collected from plants growing on bare rocks, Cusco Dept, Peru, 9,300′. 4–8 weeks warm to germinate. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Polylepis australis “Kewina”
Rosaceae. Gorgeous small tree with peeling reddish bark and often gnarled twisted trunks. Pinnate leaves with 5-7 leaflets. The southernmost species of this Andean genus, occuring all the way into the Cordoba mountains of central Argentina. A keystone species of the high Andean forests which are one of the most endangered forest ecosystems in the world. This particular species is threatened in habitat by a pathogenic fungus and climate change. Polylepis are used medicinally for lung issues. So far they seem quite adaptable to low elevation cultivation and are truly beautiful trees of unrealized horticultural merit. Z4b or 5a
10-14+ Seedling 2+ years old $15
Special! 3 plants for $32
Polylepis tomentella ssp. incanoides BK10509.20 ”Kewina”
Upright multi-branching trees 15–30′+. Contorted trunks with dark-red peeling bark, deep green leaves, dangling clusters of yellow-green flowers. This beautiful subspecies is endemic to central and southern Bolivia, it seems to favor a slightly warmer/dryer climate than other species. Growing with Berberis sp., Baccharis sp., bunchgrasses and the occasional Trichocereus totorensis and Cleistocactus sp. Restricted to arroyos primarily due to agricultural activity and overgrazing. Though there were a good number of large individuals and the bird diversity was quite high, these forests felt in transition and had the heavy mark of man and his beasts. Between Monte Puncu and Totora, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 9,500′. An Andean genus of 26 species in the rose family, Polylepis forests once covered over 20% of the Andes up to 17,000′+ in elevation. These forest were slowly cleared over millennia and massacred over the last 500 years, now reduced to almost nothing. Polylepis are amongst the most enchanting trees we have ever encountered, with their contorted trunks and peeling bark, not to mention their rebellious nature; this is a tree that actually dares to grow above the treeline. Extremely hard wood excellent for construction and firewood, used medicinally for lung issues, bark chewed for oral health. Beige, pale pink and green dyes are obtained from the tree. Polylepis were considered sacred during Incan times and were associated with the ancestors, forests were venerated and protected. Propagation and reforestation is essential for sustainable development in the Andes. Polylepis forests are known to harbor the highest diversity of plants, birds and other fauna of any ecosystem in the high Andes. Z7–8?
5 seed $4
10-12″+ treelet $16.50
Inquire for additional Polylepis species
Portulaca sp. BK08521.8
Portulaceae. Small sprawling stems hug the ground. Reddish-green cylindrical leaves and yellow flowers. Twisted caudex like roots. Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Peru. We originally listed this as Calandrinia. A cute plant for those who admire miniature succulents. Germinates better with cold then warm. Z9?
Seed packet $3
Genus Puya
Bromeliaceae. Xerophytic pineapple relatives from Central and South America with swirled rosettes of silver to green, slender, toothed leaves. The 150+ species vary in size from small plants to tree like giants. The stunning flower stalks often bear blossoms of unusual colors; metallic greens, blues and yellows. Puya are pollinated by hummingbirds and other nectar drinkers. Spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) are known to particularly relish the plants. Rather than choosing dwarfism as most plants do at high altitudes, Puya erupt to giant sizes, the largest and loftiest species, P. raimondii, reaching nearly 40′ tall at elevations of 15,500′! Forests of this strange sentinel of the heavens were once widespread, but its realm is now reduced by man to small scattered populations in the remote high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Puya species are used for their leaf fibers, wound healing qualities and magical purposes. Around Cusco, Peru the flowers stalks are burned to make “llipta” for coca chewing. Easy to grow, sprout seed like cacti. Great landscape plants, extremely drought hardy, many species are tolerant of cold and high rainfall.
Puya castellanosii “Taraca”
Rosettes of slender silver-blue leaves that form dense clusters to several feet across. Upright, pyramidally branched flower stalk bearing flowers of milky blue shades. Found in large colonies on arid rocky slopes between 9-10,000′+, Salta, Argentina. Rare. Fairly cold hardy and drought tolerant. Z8b/9a
Seed packet $3.75
Puya yakespala
Clusters of medium size rosettes of green leaves with white undersides. Impressive 6–12′+ tall, thick, club-like inflorescence covered in a tan wool from which large vibrant yellow flowers emerge. The largest, highest altitude Puya in Argentina, known only from populations at Yakespala, Santa Victoria, Salta, 13,000′+. Similar to the equally outstanding P. herzogii of Bolivia. A hardy species that deserves wide cultivation. Z8a
Seed packet $4
Puya ferruginea BK08519.7
Clusters of silver to green rosettes up to 4′ diameter. Flower stalks to 6-8′ tall. Beautiful large specimens. Growing all over the arid slopes the town of Pisac, Peru, 11,000′. Z9a?
Seed packet $4
4″+ plant $7.50
Puya herzogii BK10511.5
Clusters of 2–3′ rosettes of grey serrated leaves. Large club like inflorescence to 6–8′ tall, flowering bracts covered in a white and grey fuzz, yellow-green flowers with bright orange pollen. The impressive flower stalks makes this one of our favorite species. Growing amongst Puya raimondii, near Rodeo, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 13,300′. Seed slow to germinate, 5-10 weeks warm. Z7–8?
Seed packet $4
3-4″+ plant $9.50
Puya mirabilis BK10506.2
Single rosette of very slender white leaves to 12″+ diameter. Flower stalk to 3′. Should have yellow-green iridescent flowers to beguile hummingbirds. Base of Cerro San Pedro, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Tadeo Haenke wrote in 1795 that an unidentified Puya was used to treat syphillis. Z9a–b?
Seed packet $4
3-4″+ plant $7.50
Puya raimondii “Cuncush” “Titanca” “Machukawara”
The giant queen of bromeliads, forms single or occasionally branched trunks with rosettes of slender serrated leaves to 10′+ across. Massive flower stalks like a floral rocket ship with as many as 10,000+ white blooms! Upon flowering these amazing beings have been known to reach nearly 40′ tall. 30 to 80 years to blossom, set seed, then die. Forests of this strange sentinel of the heavens were once widespread, but its realm is now reduced by man to small scattered populations in the remote high Andes of Peru and Bolivia at between 12,000–15,500′+. This seed is from robust populations in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. We have witnessed this spectacular plant in the Cordillera Negra of Peru and Cordillera de Vacas of Bolivia. Standing on the windswept rocky ridges where you can nearly scratch the sky, surrounded by a herd of these imposing vegetal beasts, their leaves clacking and sighing with the wind, the views of a mountain magnificence that stretches countless miles, is a timeless and utterly affecting experience. This plant creates a unique ecosystem around its base where we have observed a high diversity of plant species not seen elswhere. There are reports that the rare spectacled Andean bear eats the young flower stalks. In some regions the inner pulp of the inflorescence is dried and powdered to use as a flavoring and special “chicha” is made from the roasted and fermented pulp. The dead flower stalk is also burned and the ash made into “llipta” for coca leaf chewing. Sections of the dried inflorescence are used as torches during special festivals and as insulation and construction material. The leaves are utilized with ichu grass as roof thatching, the trunks are made into seats. In the Cordillera Negra we were told that locals have been known to burn the plants because wandering cows sometimes get stuck on the barbed leaves and perish. This exceptional and endangered species has been successfully grown in California, but is still practically unknown in cultivation. Sprout seed like cacti. We have found it to be a slow germinator like P. herzogii, from 5-10 weeks. Protect from extreme summer heat. Z7?
Seed packet $7
Puya aff. humilis BK10509.18
Mounds to 6–8′ across, 3–4′ high. Individual rosettes to about 2′ wide with slender, serrated, grey leaves. Inflorescence 10–16″ tall with reddish bracts, actual flowers unseen but likely deep blue or green. Looks like P. humilis, yet was larger than that species is reported. Open north facing rocky slopes between Inkallajta and Monte Puncu, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 10,000′. Z8a/b
3–4″+ Plant 1+ year old $9.50
Puya sp. BK08517.6
Small grey-green rosettes to 10–12″. The thin slender leaves are very curly, like soem terrestrial octopus! Flower stalks to 24″. Flowers unseen. Growing on the rock outcrops around the carved Incan caves at Chinchero, Peru, 12,400′. Puya species are used for external wound healing and magical purposes. Z8a–b
3-4″+ Plant $7.50 or 2 for $13
Puya sp. BK08521.5
Rosettes to 5′ diameter. New growth frosted silver, turning red with age. Leaves have small red teeth along the margins. Fat flower stalks to 6′. Dark-green metallic flowers. Growing near the Ollantaytambo ruins, Cusco Dept., Peru, about 9,000′. Z9a?
4″+ plant $7.50
Puya sp. BK10504.2
Rosettes to 18″ across with thick serrated silver leaves with a red blush. Forms clusters of 3–4 heads, 12″ prostrate stems that look like they’ve survived repeated fires. 4′ inflorescence with densely packed seed pods. Flowers unseen. Growing with Trichocereus bridgesii, Prosopis sp., Corryocactus, Echinopsis, etc, Huachjilla, La Paz, Bolivia. Z8–9
Seed packet $4
3-4″+ plant $7.50
For additional Puya species see our Chilean offerings
Salvia oppositiflora BK08518.8 “Nuj’chu”
Labiatae. 1–2′ aromatic plant. Red to red-orange or pink flowers. Growing in dry rocky areas, Pisac ruins, Peru. Symbolic Incan plant, thousands of flowers were collected and strewn along the Incan roads during ceremonial processions. The flowers are added to tea to treat cough and kidney issues. A lovely sacred sage. Drought hardy. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Salvia sagittata
Aromatic shrub to 4′ with bright green arrow-shaped leaves. Deep blue flowers with a broad flat lower lip. Native to the mid elavation of Ecuador and northern Peru. A tea of the plant is used for coughs and hair loss. Sun to part shade. Z9b
Seed packet $2.75
Salvia sarmentosa BK08517.14 “ásul ñuqchu”
Attractive rounded shrub to 2′. Small simple leaves and sky blue flowers. A highly aromatic sage. Dry scrub around the ruins of Moray, Cusco, Peru, 12,000′. Great potential as a landscape plant, its rounded shape, colors and drought tolerance will make it the perfect companion to lavender. Thanks to Dr. Aaron Jenks for keying this one for us. Z9b?
10 seed $3
Salvia scutellaroides BK10426.2
12–18″ aromatic plant that spreads by runners. Dark-green leaves and deep iridescent blue flowers with a flared lower lip. Growing around the ruins of Pumamarca, about 12,000′, Cusco Dept., Peru. Made into a tea for coughs. This beautiful sage is new to cultivation. Z9a/b?
Plant 1+ year old $9.50 (limited)
Saracha aff. punctata BK08524.5
Solanaceae. A staggeringly gorgeous plant and one of our most appealing seed collections in 2008. Tree 20–40+’ with oval leaves and festooned in hundreds of 1″ bell flowers, pale lavender to dark purple with cream colored veination. 1/2″ round black fruit. Looks strangely like an arborescent belladonna! Planted at rural homesteads in the village of Huacahuasi, 12,500′, Cusco Dept., Peru, where it is grown as an ornamental. Since our initial collection we have also seen it planted above 13,000′ at Patacancha village and observed a few wild specimens growing in remnant forest along the Rio Trapiche above Lares. We are excited to offer it into cultivation for the very first time so it can take a place in the garden next to its other exotic arborescent solanaceous kin such as Brugmansia, Iochroma, Cestrum, etc. Easy to grow. Young plants only tolerate mild frost, mature specimens should be hardy below Z8b.
8-10″+ rooted cuttings $24.50
Sedum incarum BK08612.7
Crassulaceae. Small multi-stemmed succulent, 4–6″ with spirally arranged triangular leaves. Whitish flowers at branch ends. An attractive rare species growing along with Echeveria chiclensis amongst scrub next to the embankment on the side of the road near Chicla, Lima Dept., Peru, 12,500′. Z8a/b
Seed packet $4
Siphocampylus sp.BK10509.11 “K’au Sillu”
Campanulaceae. Herbaceous Lobelia-like plant to 2–3′. Extremely showy heads of orange and yellow tubular flowers, undoubtedly to seduce hummingbirds. Rocky areas above ruins of Inkallajta, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 10,000′. In parts of Bolivia and southern Peru the latex of S. tupaeformis is reported to be chewed like gum. In northern Peru it is considered a companion to the San Pedro cactus and is planted around homes for protection, acting as a “guardian”. Surface sow seed warm, good germination in 2-6weeks. Z8a to 9a?
Seed packet $4
Inquire for plants
Siphonandra elliptica? BK09430.3
Ericaceae. Shrub to about 12′. Leathery evergreen leaves. Green/blue berries. If I.D. is correct, it should produce clusters of waxy tubular red flowers with white tips. Home to many bromeliads and unusual mosses. 8,800′, Cusco Dept., Peru. Another awesome subtropical blueberry relative, collect them all! Surface sow, warm 4–6 weeks to sprout. Z9b?
Seed packet $4
6″ seedling $12.50
Smallanthus “Yacon” - see our Andean Tubers page
Solanum quitoense “Lulo” “Naranjilla”
Solanaceae. Shrub to 3–5′ with large serrated leaves covered in a purplish fuzz. White to lilac flowers and round dark yellow fruit 1–3″ diameter. Ancient domesticate, its wild ancestor is likely native to Andean Columbia or Ecuador. The fruits are highly esteemed throughout the Andes for their strong citrus flavor, favored over oranges for juice. Does best in filtered sun to partial shade. Sprout like tomatoes. Z10a
Seed packet $3.50
Solanum sisymbriifolium “Ch’iltu” “Litchi Tomato”
Spiny plant 2–4′ tall with deeply dissected leaves. Large white to pale blue flowers. Out of spiny husks emerge small cherry red fruits with an unusual sweet tomato like flavor. Found in mid elevation Andean Bolivia and throughout the Chaco region. Traditionally applied for CNS disorders and as sedative. Used as a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes which are fooled to hatch out of dormancy by the plant then quickly die without an adequate host. The fruit are a rich source of solasodine. Maligned as invasive by some. Easy to grow, sprout like tomatoes. Grow as an annual in cold climates. Z9b
Seed packet $3
Solanum sp. BK10510.2
12″ prickly stems. 1–2″ leathery tomato like fruits, yellow with green mottling, questionably edible/medicinal. Growing at edge of agricultural fields, 10km from Aquile towards Mizque, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 7,200′. Z9b/10a
Seed packet $4
Stipa ichu BK08520.2 ”Ichu”
Poaceae. A lovely perennial bunch grass to 18″ tall. Collected at 13,000′ above the town of Taucca, Cusco Dept., Peru. Growing with Nasella grass and acting as nurse plant for Austrocylindropuntia floccosa cacti. The famous “ichu” grass of the high Andes. Used for thatching roofs, making ropes, etc. No collection of Andean plants is complete without this species. Easy to grow, would make handsome addition to any landscape. Z5a?
Seed packet $3.50
Tagetes minuta BK10510.1 ”Suico”
Asteraceae. Aromatic leaves, yellow-white flowers. We originally collected seed from small plants with orangish flowers, yet when we grew these they rocketed to 8′ tall and flowered pale, very clearly T. minuta. Tagetes are used as a condiment and flavoring in a diversity of Andean dishes. Medicinally they are digestive aids. Encouraged to grow near fields because they repel soil nematodes. Near Aquile, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Z9b
Seed packet $3
Trichocereus peruvianus BK08612.4 ”Pichu”
Cactaceae. Fat blue-green stems to 6″ or more in diameter. New spines are red to yellow, up to 3″ long. Often growing prostrate or descending. White flowers, sweet fruit. Usually growing with Peperomia galioides, Mutisia sp., and the local Echeveria as companions. Above the town of Matucana, around 8,600′, Lima Dept., Peru. Z9a
Seed packet $5
Trichocereus validus? NL52509a
Thick columnar plant with large stout spines and big 4″ diameter sweet fruit. Collected by N. Logan at 7,600′, between the town of Puna and Belin, Potosi Province, Bolivia. These large Trichocereus are in need of serious study to clarify the taxonomy. This plant falls into the T. validus/werdermannianus/tacaquirensis/taquimbalensis/ escayachensis complex. Z8b-9a
Seed packet $5
Trichocereus riomizquensis BK10508.7 ”Achuma”
Upright stand to 8′ tall. 2–5″ diameter stems with green to blue-green to yellow-green epidermis. 4–7 radial spines with 1–3 central spines to 3″ long. Looks to be a distinct spiny form of T. bridgesii. Planted around the town of Totora, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 9,000′. Growing with Buddleja, Carica, and Asteraceae. Local women call it “achuma” and use it externally to treat fever. No one knew where it grew wild. We searched where Ritter first described the plant at Chujllas, and along the Rio Mizque, adjacent valleys and slopes, but never found a single wild plant. Limited seed! Z9a–b
Seed packet $5
Trichocereus sp. BK09509.2
Candelabra stems to 10′. Stems to 4″ diameter, dark green epidermis, new growth blushed blue. 5-7 radial spines, the downward facing ones up to 1.5″ long. 1 central spine to 2.5″. New spines yellow to red-brown in color. Growing on rocky cliffs, western slopes above the north end of the modern town of Chavin, 10,600′, Ancash Dept., Peru. Looks intermediate to T. santaensis (pachanoi) and T. cuzcoensis. Z9a
Seed packet $5
For additional Trichocereus see Cactaceae
Tropaeolum tuberosum “Mashua” - see our Andean Tubers page
Ullucus tuberosus “Ulluco” - see our Andean Tubers page
Urtica flabellata BK10428.3 ”K’isa” “Ortiga”
Urticaceae. Small species to 6″ that forms tight clumps of dense, spiny, rounded leaves, like a henbit. Distinct from the other small species that grows in the region. Makes a good tea or addition to soups. Nutritive medicinal like other species. Growing near a small lake on the descent from Ipsay Pass, Cusco Dept., Peru, 13,500′. Z5–6?
Seed packet $4
Urtica sp. BK00.2 ‘Patacancha’ ”Mula Khisa” “Nettle”
Herbaceous perennial 6 to 20″. Dark green leaves with stinging hairs. We collected this dwarf Peruvian nettle at the village of Patacancha at 13,000′ in 2000. It has grown well for us here, makes a tasty, nutritious tea and addition to soups. Spreads by runners and should be very cold hardy. Sun to part shade. Z5a-6a?
Seed packet $3
Vaccinium floribundum BK10428.6 ”Andean huckleberry”
Ericaceae. Beautiful shrub to 2′ with glaucus-blue leaves, new growth is a erotic reddish-purple. Dense clusters of white bell flowers precede the clusters of delicious blueberries. Forms small thickets in rocky areas above Rio Trapiche, between Huacahuasi and Lares, Cusco Dept., Peru, 12,000′. Cultivated in some parts of the Andes for its esteemed berries, has great potential for edible landscapes worldwide. Cold stratify seed, slow to germinate, 2-12 months. Z8
Seed packet $4.50
For additional Vaccinium species see our Medicinals/Edibles & California page
Valeriana sp. BK09508.6
Valerianaceae. Plant to 12″ with semi-succulent long pinnate leaves. Flowers stalk to 2–4′, intricately branched in interesting angles, almost like a diagram of an alkaloidal structure. Tiny purple to white flowers. An unusual and attractive species, possibly medicinal like close kin. Growing on rock outcrops and cliffs at Tres Cruces above the ruins of Chavin, about 10,800′, Ancash, Peru. Easily grown, hardiness is untested. Z9b?
Seed packet $4
Vicia faba ‘Ojo de Dio’ “Fava Bean”
Fabaceae. Annual with erect stems 2–3′ high. White and black flowers. Bean pods enclosing beige or brownish 1″+ beans, of which 75% have a circular eye like mark on them. Seed originally from Matucana, Lima Dept., Peru. Fava bean is an old world food and cover crop that was brought to South America in the 16th century and has since become an important staple crop throughout the Andes. A unique heirloom strain. Z9b
Seed packet $3.50
Zea mays BK10429.3 ”Parakay Sara” “Cancha Corn”
Poaceae. This is the famous ancient heirloom strain of giant kernelled white corn from the inter-Andean valleys of Cusco Dept., Peru. The dried kernels are popular toasted and salted. Fresh ears are boiled and sold with chunks of cheese. Long season to mature, 8 months+ .
Seed packet $3
Zea mays ‘Chullpino’
Heirloom strain of corn with rounded ears and long slender yellowish kernels from Andean Peru. Has a high sugar content, but it is eaten exclusively toasted. Said to be low yielding yet highly valued. Sprouted kernels are made into chicha, the favored alcohol of the Andes.
Seed packet $3
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