Anu

Anu: The Colorful Climbing Tuber You’ve Never Heard Of

If you’re looking for something truly unique to jazz up your garden, let me introduce you to anu (Tropaeolum tuberosum) – a climbing plant that’s equal parts ornamental showstopper and edible adventure. This South American native might not be a household name, but it deserves a spot in conversations about interesting garden plants.

What Exactly is Anu?

Anu is a climbing vine that belongs to the same family as nasturtiums, and the family resemblance is pretty clear once you see those bright, trumpet-shaped flowers. What sets this plant apart is its dual personality – above ground, you get gorgeous orange and yellow blooms dancing on delicate vines, while below ground, colorful tubers develop that are actually edible (though they need some prep work to make them palatable).

Where Does Anu Come From?

This fascinating plant calls the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains home, particularly areas in Peru and Bolivia. It’s been cultivated by indigenous communities for centuries, both as food and ornamental plant. In its native habitat, it grows in cool, mountainous conditions – a clue to how we should treat it in our gardens.

Why You Might Want to Grow Anu

Here’s what makes anu worth considering for your garden:

Unique visual appeal: Those bright orange and yellow tubular flowers are real eye-catchers, especially when they’re climbing up a trellis or fence
Pollinator magnet: Hummingbirds absolutely love these nectar-rich flowers, and bees appreciate them too
Edible landscape: If you’re into growing your own food, the tubers add an interesting element to your edible garden
Vertical interest: Great for adding height and movement to garden spaces
Cool-season performer: Unlike many flowering vines, this one actually prefers cooler weather

Growing Conditions and Care

Anu can be a bit particular about its growing conditions, but once you understand what it wants, it’s fairly straightforward:

Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 8-10, but can be grown as an annual or with tuber storage in colder areas
Light: Partial shade to full sun, but appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – these tubers will rot in waterlogged conditions
Water: Consistent moisture during growing season, but not soggy
Temperature: Prefers cool to moderate temperatures; hot summers can stress the plant

Planting and Care Tips

Getting started with anu is pretty straightforward if you can source the tubers:

Plant tubers in early spring after the last frost
Provide sturdy support for climbing – these vines can reach 6-8 feet
Mulch around plants to keep soil cool and moist
In zones colder than 8, lift tubers after the first frost and store them like dahlias
Be patient – tubers can take a full season to develop properly

The Native Plant Perspective

While anu is a charming addition to gardens, it’s important to note that it’s not native to North America. If you’re focused on supporting local ecosystems, you might consider native alternatives like wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for groundcover with interesting foliage, or trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) for a native climbing option that also attracts hummingbirds.

Is Anu Right for Your Garden?

Anu works best in gardens where:

You want something genuinely unusual and conversation-starting
You have space for a climbing plant and can provide support
You enjoy cool-season gardening and don’t mind plants that prefer moderate temperatures
You’re interested in edible landscaping and like trying new foods

Fair warning: anu isn’t the easiest plant to find at your local garden center, and the tubers can be pricey when you do track them down. But for gardeners who love trying something new and different, it offers a unique combination of ornamental beauty and edible potential that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Whether you decide to give anu a try or stick with native alternatives, the key is choosing plants that both excite you as a gardener and work well in your specific growing conditions. Happy gardening!