About
Dioscorea bulbifera, the air potato, is a vigorous twining yam producing large, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive aerial tubers (bulbils) in the leaf axils that can be harvested as food. Small, greenish flowers are produced in racemes. An ornamental and productive climber for a heated greenhouse or frost-free garden.
About the genus
Dioscorea, the yams, are evergreen or deciduous twining perennials with tuberous roots, heart-shaped to palmate leaves and small, bell-shaped greenish or yellow flowers in leaf-axil racemes. Several species are important food crops in tropical regions worldwide; others are grown as ornamental climbers.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising in grass.
Care notes
CultivationPlant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
PruningAllow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
PropagationDivide offsets or bulbils when dormant.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.