farmfreedom, the Atacama desert is what is known as a hyperarid desert. There are parts that haven't seen rain in recorded history and are devoid of even microbial life. It is also very mountainous and some sections experience enormous swings in temperature: from below freezing at night, to over 90 during the day. Not many plants, much less food crops that could tolerate those conditions.

Thank You very much for your reponse . There were Indians living in the area, or the edge of it, at one time ,they had to eat something . I would love to know what plants could surive there , food plants especially .