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Description
Erythropalum Scandens, also known as the climbing yam, is a tropical vine that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is popularly grown for its edible tuber. The climbing yam is a perennial plant that can grow up to 20 meters in length. The plant’s leaves are heart-shaped and have a glossy green color. The flowers of the plant are small and insignificant, and the fruits are small berries that are not edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Erythropalum |
Appearance
The climbing yam is a beautiful plant that can add a tropical touch to any garden. The plant has heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color. The leaves can grow up to 20cm in length and are arranged alternately along the stem. The stem of the plant is thick and woody, and it can grow up to 20 meters in length. The climbing yam produces small, insignificant flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The plant’s fruits are small berries that are not edible.
Care Guide
The climbing yam is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The climbing yam needs to be watered regularly. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The climbing yam prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The climbing yam prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: The climbing yam is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The climbing yam is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues:
- Spider mites: Spider mites can infest the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. Use a pesticide to get rid of them.
- Rust: Rust can cause orange pustules on the leaves. Use a fungicide to treat the plant.
Habitat
The climbing yam is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the climbing yam edible?
A: Yes, the climbing yam produces an edible tuber that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Q: Can the climbing yam be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the climbing yam can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with enough space and light.
Q: Does the climbing yam need support?
A: Yes, the climbing yam is a vine and needs support to grow. Provide it with a trellis or a support structure.
Q: Can the climbing yam be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the climbing yam can be propagated from stem cuttings.
Related Plants
- Erythropalum Scandens var. congestum
- Erythropalum scandens var. ruber
- Erythropalum monostachyum
References
- “Erythropalum Scandens.” Plantz Africa, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/erythscand.htm.
- “Erythropalum Scandens.” Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER), Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, United States Forest Service, 2021, https://www.hear.org/pier/species/erythropalum_scandens.htm.
