Bomarea edulis aka Salsilla

Bomarea edulis is a perennial vine in the Alstroemeriaceae family. Its native range runs from Mexico through tropical America. This includes the Caribbean and parts of South America. It grows in forests, oak woods, thickets, and disturbed ground. Its range spans lowlands and high mountain sites. Many of its habitats have damp or wet soil.

New twining stems grow each year from a tuberous rootstock. The plant sheds its leaves rather than keeping them year-round. In gardens, it reaches about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall. Its spread falls within the same range. Longer stems can reach about 20 feet [6 metres]. It needs support for its stems as they climb. The narrow, pointed leaves range from pale to mid-green. Each leaf measures about 2.4–4.7 inches [6–12 centimetres] long.

Clusters of bell-shaped flowers bring colour from early summer into autumn. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from July through December. The outer flower surface is pink or light red. Inside, green and yellow areas carry dark red spots. Bees pollinate the flowers, according to Useful Tropical Plants. Chicago Botanic Garden also notes that the vine attracts birds. Seed capsules split open to expose the seeds. Gardeners grow this species for its flowers in warm climates.

In cooler regions, the RHS advises growing it under glass. Give it bright light, with shade from strong midday sun. Plants can stand outdoors in a sunny spot during summer. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists partial shade as suitable. Use well-drained compost or sandy or loamy soil. The RHS lists acid, neutral, and alkaline soils as suitable. It rates the plant H3 for mild UK sites. Chicago lists USDA zones 8–10. The RHS suggests containers and sheltered planting sites. Plants reach mature size in two to five years.

Remove dead growth and spent stems at ground level in winter. Propagate by seed, or divide in late winter or early spring. The RHS reports few disease problems. Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and red spider mites under glass. People cook and eat the starchy tuberous roots. Wild roots also reach local food markets. Fresh sap can cause a rash in some people. Those sensitive to tulip sap may also react to this plant.