Lupinus mutabilis seeds grow into the Andean lupin, tarwi or chocho a tall annual herb native to the subtropical biome of the Andes, from Colombia and Ecuador south through Peru and Bolivia to north-western Argentina, cultivated since pre-Columbian times as a high-protein food crop. The epithet mutabilis means ‘changeable’, possibly referring to the variable flower colour (blue, white, pink and bicoloured forms). One of the most protein-rich grain legumes in the world the seeds contain up to 45% protein, among the highest of any food plant. Used as a food crop by Andean civilisations for millennia. Currently attracting major international research interest as a sustainable, high-protein legume crop for human nutrition. Family Fabaceae.

Full sun; well-drained, moderately fertile soils; cool subtropical Andean conditions; annual. Outstanding protein content ancient Andean food crop.

• ‘Mutabilis’ = changeable; tarwi / chocho; up to 45% protein one of the highest of any food plant
• Ancient Andean food crop; pre-Columbian cultivation; major research interest as sustainable protein crop
• Andean South America (Colombia to NW Argentina) subtropical biome; annual
• Genus Lupinus ~280 species; Family Fabaceae
• Full sun; well-drained soils; cool subtropical; annual; ancient food crop; Family Fabaceae

Lupinus mutabilis is tarwi an ancient Andean grain legume with protein content among the highest of any food plant, a pre-Columbian staple crop of the Andes that is attracting major modern research interest as a sustainable, high-protein source for global food security in the 21st century.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.