Dioscorea batatas (Dioscorea polystachia)

Climbing species with edible tubers. Stems twining, herbaceous, deciduous in winter. Heart-shaped leaves, green to reddish in bright light. Small, greenish flowers in axillary racemes, scented with cinnamon. Rounded bulbils form in the axils of the leaves which, once they have fallen to the ground, give rise to new seedlings. The cylindrical tuber can grow very deep (even more than 1 m). The tuber is edible and has a good flavor and is eaten like potatoes. The species is native to China but is cultivated and has spread throughout most of the world. It likes deep, fertile soil to allow the tuber to develop at its best and regular watering during the summer. The tubers are taken from the ground in autumn and can be kept in a cool, dry place. Hardy. 1 little plant in a 9x9 cm pot.