Oxalis tuberosa (New Zealand yam, Oca)

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Plant description

Oca is a compact, bushy perennial plant that produces edible tubers. There are different varieties with variously coloured tubers, from white and pinks, through to red and apricot. It makes an attractive bushy plant with clover like leaves.

Oca prefers sandy soil, partial shade,moist condtions and moderate temperatures. Hilling up soil around the plant as it grows, like potatoes, is a must for tuber formation. It can produce crops on poor soil, and is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH , but does not like a heavy or poorly drained soil. 

It grows best in mild climates, so plant in spring in cool to temperate areas, and autumn in subtropical areas. High temperatures will cause the plant to wilt. Frost will kill the foliage, but tubers will resprout. Tuber growth is triggered by shortening day length, and this makes them unsuitable for growing in tropical areas. Tubers start forming from late autumn. 

Propagation is from small tubers. These can be collected after harvest, and stored in a cool dark place till planting time. They should be planted around 5 cms deep.

Oca is relatively pest and disease free, though nematodes can be a problem.

Oca can be used like potatoes, and can be boiled, baked or fried. Though smaller than potatoes, they can be used witout peeling. Oca can be high in oxalates, which are highest in the skin. The levels are similar to spinach. This can be reduced somewhat by exposing the tubers to the sun, and it is also water soluble when boiled or steamed.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: Yellow
Flowering season: summer

Plant size

Maximum height: 0.5 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 0.5 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: not specified.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.5-7.8

Pests

Nematodes

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Spring in cool to temperate and subtropical climates, autumn in tropical climates.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose..

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