Tropaeolum (Tropaeolaceae) BSWJ16463

tuberosum v. piliferum 'Izzy'

Tropaeolum is something of a magnet to us, this climbing subspecies is one we found growing at a heady altitude of 3,500m, on the route to Nevado de Santa Isabel, Tolima, Colombia, in February 2024. Growing streamside in open Paramo, lapping up the icy cold glacier melt-water its feet were in. Forming a dense blanket of small silver-green nasturtium-like foliage, peppered with slender long red, orange mouthed flowers on slender upright stalks, quivering in the icy breeze. Unlike its tuber-forming variety, this one forms very long thin tuberous rhizomes, as storage organs. Plant in a humus rich lime-free soil, in cool shade. Height 3m. Top growth best into sun, but not too hot. Named for our Colombian family member, Isabella Hughes.