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Dioscorea batatas Chinese yam (1 Page of 5) The Dioscorea batatas plant species is found in Temperate E. Asia, though the exact range is not known. It is a member of the Dioscoreaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese yam. Some home gardeners know the variety as D. divaricata. D. opposita. Thunb. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Dioscorea batatas Common Name: Chinese yam Family: Dioscoreaceae Author: Decne. Known Hazards: Edible species of Dioscorea have opposite leaves whilst poisonous species have alternate leaves[174]. Mature Height: 3 Mature Width: 1.5 Habitat: Found in an apparently wild situation in valleys and on the slopes of hills in China[147]. Prefers sunny slopes in the wild[254].
Propagation Notes: Seed - sow March to April in a sunny position in a warm greenhouse and only just cover. It germinates in 1 - 3 weeks at 20°c[175]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for their first year. Plant out in late spring as the plant comes into new growth.
Basal stem cuttings in the summer[37].
Division in the dormant season, never when in growth[1]. The plant will often produce a number of shoots, the top 5 - 10 cm of the root below each shoot can be potted up to form a new plant whilst the lower part of the root can be eaten[K].
Tubercles (baby tubers) are formed in the leaf axils. These are harvested in late summer and early autumn when about the size of a pea and coming away easily from the plant. They should be potted up immediately in individual pots in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, covering them with about 10mm of soil. Protect them from mice etc and keep the soil moist but not wet. They should come into growth in the spring, plant them out in early summer when in active growth[K].
For further Dioscorea batatas gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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