Dioscorea batatas

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Dioscorea batatas
Also known as: Chinese Yam, Air potatoe

Plant Properties

Layer: Climb
Format: Smal
Height: 3.00 m
Width: 1.50 m
Growth Rate: -
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-11
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Root
Edibility:
(5)
Medicinal:
(5)
Features:
Carbon farming, Fragrant

Description

Tubers - prepared for consumption. The tubers have a floury texture and a pleasant potato-like taste. They can be prepared in various ways, such as boiling, baking, frying, mashing, grinding, and adding to soups. They can be well preserved in the ground and harvested as needed, especially in winter. These tubers are of top quality and can serve as a staple food. Arrowroot can be obtained from these tubers, although this is less effective as a thickening agent than the starch from D. japonica. The tubers contain about 20% starch, 75% water, 0.1% vitamin B1, and 10-15 mg% vitamin C. The fruit has a starch-rich flavor and is considered very beneficial for health. The antenna tubers of this plant are known to be very tasty and can be eaten. Carbon Farming - Stacked Crop.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/10
End of Harvest: 31/03

Guilds

Guild Information

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Guild Details

Guild Description
Amelanchier alnifolia
Serviceberry
Provides shade and attracts pollinators for the yam.
Cornus mas
Cornelian cherry dogwood
Helps to fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants.
Jasminum officinale
Jessamine, Poet's jasmine
Attracts beneficial insects which can help in pest control.
Carya illinoinensis
Pecans
Provides nutrient-rich leaf mulch for the yam and improves soil structure.
Betula pubescens
White Birch, Downy birch
Its roots can help to aerate the soil, enhancing yam growth.
Salix alba
Willow
Provides wind protection and improves soil moisture retention.
Vaccinium corymbosum
Northern blueberry
Enhances biodiversity in the area, improving ecosystem health.