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

Family:  Yam (Dioscoreaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 11.

(Shan-yao, Cinnamon Vine, Wild Yam, Chinese Wild Yam, Light Yam, Light Root) (Syn. Dioscorea opposita, also Dioscorea polystachya) Perennial dioecious vine.   Does well in pots. In the humid evenings and mornings, the flowers exude a rich Cinnamon fragrance.  Traditional use (TCM, Anthroposophy): Antipandemic, holder of the light.  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, Not Available to the State of New York and also NO INTERNATIONAL SALES}