Tarwi

Lupinus mutabilis

Native to:
Bolivia, Colombia, Peru

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lupinus
Species:
Lupinus mutabilis
USDA Symbol:
LUMU8

Growth Characteristics

Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple, white, yellow, pink
Food Forest:
Contains edible parts

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Andean regions with variable soil types

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 7–14 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Scarification of seed coat recommended before sowing. Seeds benefit from brief cold stratification or soaking in water for 24 hours.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI