I have recently returned from a trip to South America, where I had hoped to see some of these beauties. Unfortunately our stay in Chile was cut short due to delays in Peru and Bolivia. The only Tropaeolum we saw was above the Colca Canyon in Southern Peru. Quite a dry place at that time of the year (July). I am taking a really wild stab in the dark at the name, and guessing Tropaeolum tuberosum. Any ideas? Attached are photos of the Tropaeolum, the Colca Canyon, and a photo of the town of Cabanaconde which is very near to the Colca Canyon and shows the type of vegetation where the Tropaeolum was growing.

Andrew Harvie (Sep 3, 2002)