Widely grown in the West Indies and in West Africa, this is by far
the most important of the cultivated yams.
It has pointed heart-shaped leaves and bulbils are frequently borne
on the stem.
These can be used in propagation.
Each plant may produce up to 3 tubers which have a brown outer skin
and white flesh; they are high in starch and contain about 70 per
cent water.
Different cultivars produce tubers of different shapes.
The tubers store well.
Flowering colors: White
Cultivation: These plants require excellent drainage and a fertile
soil with a high organic content of well-rotted manure or compost
dug in at planting time.
They are best planted in groups to ensure fruiting.
Each plant should be staked.
The period of growth is from 7 to 12 months varying with the
species.
If the tubers are not dug up they continue to grow for years.
Propagate from seed, by division or by slicing small pieces, each
with 2 or 3 dormant buds, from the upper part of an old tuber. |
