Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam Care

Dioscorea Polystachya

What is the plant

Yams are a main food crop for millions in the tropical regions of the world. True yams are the third most important tropical root crop after cassava and sweet potatoes. The name ‘yam’ properly belongs to the various species of Dioscorea. However, Americans call their sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) yams. Today, even supermarkets and canners often label orange sweet potatoes as yams. The true yam is very different in botanical terms, appearance, taste, texture, and color.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

4a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Support for the vine will be necessary
Sunlight
Heart-shaped and 3-lobed leaves of Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam, Cinnamon Vine, Ubi Keladi in Malay), 5 Oct 2017Preferably full sun though it tolerates partial shade.
Soil
Humus-enriched and well-drained soils.

Disease diagnosis

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Temperature
A very hardy plant that tolerates down to -20°C easily
Additional
Edible species of Dioscorea have opposite leaves whilst poisonous species have alternate leaves Prolific vine of Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam, Cinnamon Vine, Ubi Keladi in Malay) with many edible bulbils, 5 Oct 2017Besides, it has been used traditionally as a contraceptive and in the treatment of various disorders of the genital organs as well as for asthma and arthritis. The tuber is sometimes used as an herbal tonic as it stimulates the stomach and spleen and has an effect on the lungs and kidneys as well as for the treatment of poor appetite, chronic diarrhea, asthma, dry coughs, frequent or uncontrollable urination and diabetes. Its leaf juice can be used to treat snakebites and scorpion stings.
Popularity
66 people already have this plant 8 people have added this plant to their wishlists