Dioscorea

(Dioscoreaceae - yam family)

Yam. Over 500 species of herbaceous or sometimes woody, tuberous rooted twining vines. Most are native to warm regions. Several species are cultivated for their edible roots, which are the true yams. A few species are cultivated as ornamentals, and some are used medicinally.

batatas

peren vine • ht 10' or more • zones 5 -10

Chinese yam; cinnamon vine

edible, fragrant, screen, sun - part shade
temp e Asia

A vigorous, long-lived twining vine. Much cultivated in Asia for the large, edible, tuberous roots. The roots are said to remain edible and mild-flavored even when they reach a large size. The small flowers, which appear in summer, are cinnamon scented. Also bears small aerial tubers in the leaf axils. These are edible and can be planted to start new plants. Should be mulched for winter in cold areas until well established.

cat # 9Y5H
$7.95 each / 3-9, $7.50 ea / 10+, $6.95 ea

villosa

peren vine • ht 15' • zones 4-9

wild yam

native, screen, moist - wet, sun - shade
e and cent US

This native yam's appearance is distinctive in that the leaves grow in whorls of four or more at each node along the vine's lower length. Toward the top, the number of leaves decreases to one or two per node. Very adaptable in its cultural requirements, and quite ornamental.

cat # 9Y9V
$9.95 each