Inca peanut
Plukenetia volubilisfam. Euphorbiaceae
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Pl. A682 — Plukenetia volubilis
Plukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilisPlukenetia volubilis
IOverview
Overview
Inca peanut, scientifically known as Plukenetia volubilis, is a climbing shrub native to the tropical regions of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Bolivia, and Colombia. This plant thrives in areas with moist soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It grows up to 2 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and seeds, which are often used in local cuisine. One distinctive feature of Inca peanut is its ability to climb using tendrils, making it an ornamental addition to gardens while also providing a food source.
Quick answers
What is Inca peanut?
Inca peanut, scientifically known as Plukenetia volubilis, is a climbing shrub native to the tropical regions of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Bolivia, and Colombia. This plant thrives in areas with moist soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Inca peanut thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in zones 10-12, making it hardy in temperate regions. The plant can reach a height of 2 meters and produces edible leaves and seeds. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Inca peanut for the first time
7steps
Start with Inca peanut as a simple, low-maintenance plant for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Place in a sunny location, ensuring it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture and light. Prune occasionally for shape and remove dead leaves.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain size and shape. Harvest leaves and seeds when needed, but not typically a focus in the first year.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CosmeticAnimal feedoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 11 native
Americas8 regions
native (8)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorFrench GuianaGuyanaPeruSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Trinidad-Tobago, Brazil North, Windward Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Euphorbiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Euphorbiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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