Wild Yam, Chinese (Dioscorea batatas), live aerial tubers, organic [INTL NO]

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Family:  Yam (Dioscoreaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 8.

(Shan-yao, Cinnamon Vine, Wild Yam, Chinese Wild Yam) (Syn. Dioscorea opposita) Perennial dioecious vine.   Does well in pots. In the humid evenings and mornings, the flowers exude a rich Cinnamon fragrance.  The underground and aerial tubers are eaten and are delicious–bake or slice thinly and fry on a pan.  Oh, yum, yum.  Direct seed in rich soil or plant in pots fall, spring, or summer.  I find that the best method is to press the aerial tuber, which is about the size of a chickpea, into the surface of the soil but not covered by soil.  The tuber will push down into the dirt and a sprout will eventually emerge to the side.  I tried this again this year, using a deep flat in the greenhouse, and yesterday tugged on the tubers, and they had all extended down into the medium and were locked in place.  One has a new sprout coming up.  This whole process can take months.  Nature is not in a hurry, at least not on human terms, and patience is golden.

Aerial tubers, Certified Organically Grown  {SORRY, NO INTERNATIONAL SALES}