wild potato
Uncultivated starchy root
Wild potato refers to any of numerous species of *Solanum* native to the Americas that are related to the cultivated potato but grow without human cultivation.
These plants produce small, often bitter tubers and have been important to plant breeders seeking genes for disease resistance or climate adaptation: Researchers crossed commercial varieties with wild potato species to improve blight resistance.
Often toxic plant family
- SolanaceaeNightshade plant family
- tuberUnderground nutrient reservoir
- perennialRecurring each year
- stolonsHorizontal stems producing new plants
eyes · sprout · starch · root crop · underground · storage organ · leaflets · flowers
South American western range
- PeruPacific coast republic
- BoliviaAndean republic, two capitals
- QuechuaAndean indigenous language family
- IncaAncient Peruvian civilization member
pre-Columbian · terracing · altitude · papa · domestication · cultivation · staple · subsistence
Allelic variation within populations
- gene poolSpecies' total genetic diversity
- landracesLocally adapted traditional crops
- varietiesDistinct forms within category
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
germplasm · seed bank · breeding · hybridization · disease resistance · climate adaptation · preservation · endemism
Bring or come together
- harvestGathering mature crops
- digUnearth by shoveling
- identifyEstablish who or what
- edibilityFitness for consumption
preparation · detoxify · leaching · processing · bitter · toxic · survival food · famine food
Elevated, mountainous land
- meadowGrassy field for grazing
- scrublandArea of low shrubs
- rockyCovered with stones
- montaneOf cooler elevated zones
native range · distribution · elevation · microclimate · soil · naturalized · invasive · escaped
nightshade
Often toxic plant family
- SolanaceaeNightshade plant family
- tuberUnderground nutrient reservoir
- perennialRecurring each year
stolons · eyes · sprout · starch · root crop · underground · storage organ · leaflets · flowers · berries
Andes
South American western range
- PeruPacific coast republic
- BoliviaAndean republic, two capitals
- QuechuaAndean indigenous language family
Inca · pre-Columbian · terracing · altitude · papa · domestication · cultivation · staple · subsistence · freeze-drying
genetic diversity
Allelic variation within populations
- gene poolSpecies' total genetic diversity
- landracesLocally adapted traditional crops
- varietiesDistinct forms within category
conservation · germplasm · seed bank · breeding · hybridization · disease resistance · climate adaptation · preservation · endemism · extinction risk
gather
Bring or come together
edibility · preparation · detoxify · leaching · processing · bitter · toxic · survival food · famine food · seasonal
highland
Elevated, mountainous land
montane · native range · distribution · elevation · microclimate · soil · naturalized · invasive · escaped