Plukenetia volubilis Seeds | Sacha Inchi
LATIN NAME: Plukenetia volubilis
COMMON NAME: Sacha Inchi
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) stands out as a vine in the spurge family. Sacha inchi is a vine with a very big future, and a very long history. Seeds have been a food of warm regions for a very long time, and they press into a fine, light oil that has found a wide place in modern kitchens. It is a vine of deep, rich, well-drained ground. All of this makes Sacha Inchi a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Plukenetia volubilis, a representative of the spurge family with clear practical value. Sacha inchi draws a good deal of attention in plant science for plump, oval seeds and fine, light oil they press. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Sacha Inchi brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Sacha inchi is a quiet goldmine of warm garden and oil press. Plump seeds have been a food of warm regions for a very long time, eaten roasted or ground, and they press into a fine, light oil that is finding a wide place in modern kitchens and the salads. Vigorous vine covers trellis and fence with big, heart-shaped leaves, and star-shaped capsules add their own curious interest. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Sacha inchi, the Inca peanut, yields one of the world’s richest omega-3 oils, a rising star of functional nutrition with a complete amino profile.
Growing from Seed
Raising Sacha Inchi from seed is straightforward. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Sacha Inchi earns its space through character rather than fuss. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
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