Tropaeolum tuberosum
Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua, see below for other names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Tropaeolaceae, grown in the Andes, particularly in Peru and Bolivia, and to a lesser extent in Ecuador as well as in Boyacá Department, Colombia, for its edible tubers, which are eaten cooked or roasted as a vegetable. It is a minor food source, especially to native Amerindian populations. Mashua is a herbaceous perennial climber growing to 2–4 m (7–13 ft) in height. It is related to garden nasturtiums, and is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental for its brightly coloured tubular flowers.
Alternative names
This plant is commonly called mashua in Peru and Ecuador, but other names include:
Growing mashua
The plant grows vigorously even in marginal soils and it competes well with weeds. It is well-adapted to high-altitude subsistence agriculture, and gives high yields; 30 tonnes per hectare are yielded at a height of 3000 metres, but up to 70 tons per hectare have been produced under research conditions. Its extraordinary resistance to insect, nematode and bacterial pests is attributed to high levels of isothiocyanates. Although mashua is fully domesticated, it can persist in wild vegetation because of its aggressive growth and robustness. In Colombia, it is planted as a companion crop to repel pests in potato fields.
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Crash
by: MeshSee the vapours fading
As they stare into the night
Every time
Its getting harder
To be buttoned up so tight
Don't do anything to us today
(You're only flesh and bone, you'll really never know)
There's nothing left to take away
(You're only flesh and bone, you'll really never know)
I know the crash is coming
Cause I smell the fuel in the morning
I hear the engines stop
But I'll find my own way down
I hear the sleeper's waking
As they stare into the sky
All our lives
The rivets breaking
As we struggle up so high
Don't do anything to us today
(You're only flesh and bone, you'll really never know)
There's noone left
Who wants to stay
(You're only flesh and bone, you'll really never know)
I know the crash is coming
Cause I smell the fuel in the morning
I hear the engines stop
But I'll find my own way down
I see the takers taking
And we live it all again
Every time a little closer
To the truth without the pain
Don't do anything to us today
(You're only flesh and bone, you'll really never know)
There's nothing left to play the game
(You're only flesh and bone, you'll really never know)
I know the crash is coming
Cause I smell the fuel in the morning
I hear the engines stop
But I'll find my own way down
(You'll really never know)
I know the crash is coming
Cause I smell the fuel in the morning
I hear the engines stop