Ulluco of the Basellaceae family is one of the most widely grown and economically important tuber crops in the Andean region. As in its close relative, the tropical Malabar spinach (Basella alba) also the leaves are edible. The succulent ulluco leaves can be used as a vegetable and are similar in texture to spinach. They are known to contain high levels of protein, calcium, and carotene; a spoonful of cooked leaves can provide a considerable part of a child's daily requirements of essential nutrients. Ulluco tubers come in a variety of colors and shapes. They are also popular in lowland cities far away from production zones. Yield-reducing viruses often infect the ulluco plant. Thermotherapy and meristem culture have been used to obtain pathogen-tested material for distribution.