Earth gems

Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus) is a tender perennial root crop in the Basellaceae family, grown as an annual in New Zealand. It grows to about 30–45cm tall and wide, forming mats of fleshy leaves. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Ulluco is prized for its colourful, nutty-flavoured tubers, which are used as a culinary crop and harvested in late autumn. The leaves are also edible when cooked. Protect from hot, dry conditions; best suited to cooler NZ regions.