The author present the taxonomic description of one specimen type of MACA obtained in September 9th, 1989, near Huarancaca, Cerro de Pasco city, Department of Pasco, as Lepidium peruvianum Chacón sp. nov., a new species belonging to the genus Lepidium (Cruciferae), the characteristics that distinguish it from the close species especially from Lepidium meyenii Walp. and Lepidium gelidium Wedd. are detailed in this study. It presents also, a phytochemical study of MACA, made in 1960-1962, its habitat and acclimation at coastal level. This species, whose popular name is MACA, has its origin in the Peruvian Central Andes, where it is known for its nutritional and pharmacological value, domesticated since long before the Incaic period. It grows in the Department of Pasco and Junín, between 4100 and 4300 m over the sea level. The climate is, generally, cold and rather dry in the year, charac...

The author present the taxonomic description of one specimen type of MACA obtained in September 9th, 1989, near Huarancaca, Cerro de Pasco city, Department of Pasco, as Lepidium peruvianum Chacón sp. nov., a new species belonging to the genus Lepidium (Cruciferae), the characteristics that distinguish it from the close species especially from Lepidium meyenii Walp. and Lepidium gelidium Wedd. are detailed in this study. It presents also, a phytochemical study of MACA, made in 1960-1962, its habitat and acclimation at coastal level. This species, whose popular name is MACA, has its origin in the Peruvian Central Andes, where it is known for its nutritional and pharmacological value, domesticated since long before the Incaic period. It grows in the Department of Pasco and Junín, between 4100 and 4300 m over the sea level. The climate is, generally, cold and rather dry in the year, charac...