INCA PEANUT TREE --Plukenetia volubilis--

Sacha Inchi A woody vine, widely distributed from Mexico, to Central America, the Caribbean and the northern half of South America, growing in disturbed areas, wet forests and forest margins, mostly at low elevations. It presents simple, heart-shaped leaves, white flowers and very ornamental, star-shaped green fruits, which become woody and dehiscent as they mature. Even though well known even to ancient pre-Inca cultures in Peru as a popular source of nuts and oil, Sacha Inchi has not attracted much attention in the "West" until rather recently its marvelous properties as a "superfood" have become better known. Its oily seeds are not only very tasty but are extremely rich in unsaturated fatty acids, namely the healthy Omega 3 and Omega 6 and some Omega 9 and thus the source for a very desirable gourmet oil with a nutty flavor. A valuable, useful plant for wet, tropical regions.AppearanceGrowth Form ClimberOrnamental Value Pretty