The name Yana Punchu means “Black Poncho”, inspired by the tuber’s dark appearance, which resembles the black poncho traditionally worn by Andean men during mourning. This variety is valued for its cooking qualities and cultural symbolism.
Morphological Description
- Growth habit: Semi-erect
- Tuber shape: Obovate (egg-shaped, narrower at the base)
- Skin color: Intense black
- Flesh color: White with a narrow violet vascular ring
- Sprout color: Violet
- Flower color: Purple (intermediate) with white, located on the underside of the petals (acumen)
- Stem color: Green with some pigmentation
- Flowering intensity: Profuse
Agronomic Characteristics
- Yield per plant: 1.1 – 1.3 kg
- Tuber count per plant: 14 – 17
- Late blight (rancha): Moderately susceptible
- Frost resistance: Moderately tolerant
- Storage duration: Intermediate
- Altitude range: 3,300 – 4,000 m.a.s.l.
- Abundance: Rare
- Ploidy level: Tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48)
- Species: Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena