Tropaeolaceae belongs to the order Brassicales. It is also known as Nasturtium family.
The Tropaeolaceae is a small family of flowering plants that includes herbaceous climbers and trailing perennials. These plants are native to Central and South America, especially in the Andes, where they grow in cool, high-altitude regions. They thrive in well-drained soils and are often found in gardens, forest edges, and mountain valleys. Tropaeolaceae species are known for their rounded leaves, climbing stems, and bright, spurred flowers that attract pollinators. Some are cultivated for ornamental use, while others are grown for food.
A well-known example is Tropaeolum tuberosum, commonly called mashua. Native to the Andes, it is a fast-growing vine cultivated for its edible tubers, which are cooked or roasted and have a peppery flavor. Mashua is highly resistant to pests and grows well in poor soils, making it suitable for subsistence farming. It is also used in traditional medicine and sometimes planted alongside other crops to deter insects. The plant produces vibrant orange and yellow flowers and is occasionally grown as an ornamental in temperate gardens.
Total genera found for Tropaeolaceae: 1
- 1) Tropaeolum
Total plants found for Tropaeolaceae: 1
- 1) Mashua