Dioscorea polystachya

Also Known As

Dioscorea batatas
Air Potato Vine
Chinese Yam

Plant type

vine, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 10'-20'
W: 5'-15'

planting zones

6a-11

More Options

Dioscorea polystachya plant details

Dioscorea polystachya is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber or vine with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dioscorea polystachya

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber or vine
Plant family: dioscoreaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 15 FT - wide, 10 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cinnamon-scented, heart-shaped leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dioscorea polystachya

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A vigorous twining herbaceous climber which prefers sun but will tolerate shade. Originating from China and Japan, it has edible roots and heart shaped leaves. Underground roots, large and elongated can be used like sweet potatoes. Flowers are small, white and have a cinnamon fragrance. In Fall, small brown edible bulbils that have a nut-like flavor appear and should be eaten or removed as they do readily produce new plants. Other species of Dioscorea are pesky weeds but D. batatas isn't as aggressive particularly because it dies back to ground each winter nor does it reach the massive height of some.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

This is a fast growing deciduous vine with nice heart-shaped leaves that makes fairly immense tubers which are eaten in Asia. These can be as much as 3' long so one baked with sour cream and chives should be a meal in itself. Good to diversify the crops.