CHAPTER XIII 



TEMPERATE OR SUB-TROPICAL VEGETABLES 

 AND FOOD CROPS 



[S=SlNHALESE ; 2 TAMIL]. 



Suited to elevations of 3,000 feet upwards, with an annual 

 rainfall of about 60 to 100 inches. Many may be grown with 

 moderate success in the cool seasons at lower elevations, some 

 even at sea-level. 



[For convenience of reference it is considered preferable in this case to 

 give precedence to the common or English name over the botanical, 

 the former being better known. The botanical name and Natural 

 Order are enclosed in brackets]. 



Aracacha, or Peruvian Parsnip ( Arr acacia esciilenla. N. O. 

 Umbelliferae). This uncommon vegetable is a native of the Andes 

 in South America, \vhere it is cultivated between 5,000 and 7,000 

 feet altitude. It is a low, Parsnip-like plant, producing large 

 edible, starchy, carrot-shaped roots, the flavour of which has 

 been compared to a combination of parsnips and potatoes. 

 MR. W. NOCK, late of Hakgala Gardens, introduced it as seed from 

 Jamaica in 1884. DR. TRIMEN stated that "its peculiar flavour 

 and cheesy consistence did not seem to be relished by Europeans, 

 though much enjoyed by all Natives who had tasted it." It is 

 propagated either by seed or by division of the small heads (leaf- 

 stalks), which spread out from the crown, the sets being planted 

 about 6 in. deep in rows about 3 ft. apart. The plant requires 

 from 10 to 12 months to reach maturity, but the tubers may be 

 gathered for use 2 months earlier than this if required. In the 

 native country of the plant, it is customary to gather the leaves 

 together and twist them moderately, a process said to prevent the 

 plants from running to head, while also favouring the development 

 of the root. The plant will thrive in any good soil, and is adapted 

 only to the higher elevations, say from 4,500 to 6,000 feet. It is 

 commonly cultivated as a vegetable at Bogota, in Colombia, up to 

 8,000 feet elevation. 



