Yacon triple leaf

I have grown yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) for well over a decade, in a few different climates.  It is a great perennial vegetable. 

Yacon generally grows opposite leaves, this plant has three leaves.  It has done it for the past few years, and it returns the following year. 

Yacon leaves in sets of three

Normally, yacon leaves are arranged opposite and decussate; they are found in pairs on opposite sides of the stem and the each pair is offset 90 degrees from previous set.  On this plant, the leaves are whorled, and offset at 60 degrees from the previous set of leaves.

Extra sets of leaves like this can be a temporary thing influenced by environmental factors, or can be caused by a genetic mutation.  Given this has happened in the same plant for several years in a row, I think in this instance it is caused by a genetic mutation. 

Yacon leaves in sets of three

I assumed more leaf area would mean more photosynthesis resulting in more vigorous and productive plants.  This plant is shorter, I'm not sure if tuber production is noticeably different.  

Yacon normally has opposite leaves in sets of two

Regular yacon

This triple leaf yacon doesn't tend to flower more, or less, or earlier, or later, than regular yacon.  It doesn't seem to cope better or worse in the heat.  Other than being a little shorter, nothing really seems different at all.

I have been growing the same yacon for so many years that I feel attached to it.  Having a mutation show up is fun, and I didn't want to lose it.  

Yacon leaves in threes

Triple yacon

This year my yacon has broken dormancy and grown well.  I planned to separate my three leaf yacon and put it in a new garden bed, but none grew triple leaves this year. 

Over winter I gave away dormant yacon crowns to a few people.  I have a feeling I may have inadvertently given away my triple yacon.  

I gave yacon to a few different people, mostly to strangers who came here to buy other plants, so I have likely lost this mutation forever.  While I am a little upset over this, there are worse things I could have lost.  Hopefully it does well for its new owners, and hopefully they share it around a bit.  

Yacon drooping a little in the heat

Sometimes I sell dormant yacon crowns over winter.  When I do they will be listed on my for sale page.  I don't seem to have any triple yacon left, but I may have some regular yacon crowns for sale.