Definition

Noun 1. A tropical vine (Bomarea salsilla or related species) characterized by its showy flowers and tuberous roots. The roots of some species are edible and have been used as a potato substitute. * Specifically, it refers to either of two similar vines: a. A vine with pink-and-yellow flowers spotted with purple, native from the West Indies to northern South America. b. A vine with clusters (umbels) of small purple flowers, native to Colombia.

Usage Examples

• The salsilla is cultivated in some regions for its ornamental value.
• In times of scarcity, the starchy roots of the salsilla were boiled and eaten.
• Botanists studied the difference between the purple-flowered salsilla of Colombia and the more widely distributed variety.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used primarily in botanical, horticultural, or ethnobotanical contexts to refer to these specific climbing plants.

Variants and Related Words

• Bomarea: The genus to which the salsilla belongs.
• Alstroemeriaceae: The plant family (the alstroemeria or Inca lily family) that includes the genus.

Synonyms

• There is no common, widespread synonym. It may be referred to descriptively as a "tropical Bomarea vine" or, in specific contexts, by its botanical name.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word salsilla refers specifically to these plants and does not have other common meanings in general English usage.

Noun

1. tropical vine having pink-and-yellow flowers spotted purple and edible roots sometimes boiled as a potato substitute; West Indies to northern South America
2. tropical vine having umbels of small purple flowers and edible roots sometimes boiled as a potato substitute; Colombia