Biodiversity
An introduction to biodiversity.
A simple explanation of what biodiversity is, how we make sense of it and its importance to us. Plus an introduction to the biodiversity of potatoes and tomatoes.
Solanum etuberosum
Quick Description:
This potato is resistant to many viruses but does not have underground tubers.
Appearance:
The plants are up to 1 m tall, growing upright or trailing on the ground. They have long leaves up to 35 cm and short velvety hairs covering all the plant. Solanum etuberosum is sometimes grown for decoration because of its numerous pretty violet flowers, 12-35 in every inflorescence. Flower stalks break off 4-5 mm above their bases, which is important for potato classification. The fruits are green to deep purple, approximately 1 cm in diameter. This species can be distinguished from its close relatives by its ripe seeds which do not have a purple dot on them. No potatoes are produced under the ground. It is not very closely related to commercial potatoes and breeding programs are difficult.
Eating / cooking
Not eaten.
Nutritional content
It is said to have some medicinal properties but no research has been done on this.
Habitat / Growing
Grows high up in the Andes Mountains of Central Chile, in dry forest, along streams or in the mists of waterfalls, always in full sun and usually in rocky soils.
Stress tolerance
No stress tolerance has been discovered in this species.
Disease resistance / pest resistance
This wild potato is unique among wild potato species because it has resistance to three major potato viruses: Potato Leafroll Virus and Potato Virus Y, which are transmitted by greenfly, and Potato Virus X, transmitted by contact. Complicated breeding programs have used this to improve virus resistance of commercial potatoes. It is also resistant to the Green Peach Aphid, although this has not been used in breeding programs yet.
Storage
This plant does not produce potatoes.
