Tropaeolum brachyceras

Tropaeolum brachyceras is a climber from central Chile. It lives for years and belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It grows from tubers, which lie below the ground. Its home range includes Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Santiago, O’Higgins, and Maule. Kew lists it as a plant of temperate regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It climbs to about 3.3 feet [1 metre].

A dry, Mediterranean-type climate shapes its growth cycle. Growth starts in early autumn and lasts through winter. Plants For A Future records leaves from October through August. It lists June for blooms and August for ripe seeds. Each flower has both male and female organs. The plant blooms in early summer. It then has a short rest in late summer. Bear this winter growth cycle in mind when choosing a site.

Choose a site in sun; this plant cannot grow in shade. It prefers loam rich in humus, with good drainage. Soil that is slightly acid or neutral suits it. The source also lists sand and clay as suitable soils. It accepts dry or moist soil, but must drain well. Garden beds offer one place to grow this small climber. Its tubers help it live through a seasonal pause in growth.

Cold limits outdoor use in the colder parts of Britain. Plants For A Future reports tolerance down to about 23°F [−5°C]. Yet it also calls the plant frost tender. A cold greenhouse or conservatory makes a more suitable home. The source gives USDA zones 8–11. Even so, the plant may still need winter shelter. One way is to lift tubers once frost kills back growth. Keep them in a cool place free from frost. Plant them in April. Its autumn growth should also guide plans for winter shelter.

Grow new plants from seed, split tubers, or basal stem cuttings. Take these cuttings from the base of stems. Sow seeds in a greenhouse in early spring. Move seedlings to their own pots once you can handle them. Keep young plants under glass for their first winter. Plant them out after the last frost you expect. Split tubers in late summer, once growth has died down. Small tubers can grow under glass for one more year. You can eat the small tubers when cooked. They have little value as food, though. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. It also reports no weed potential.