Dioscorea Alata: Rising great winged yams

I don't think we could ever live without tubers. Whether it's the many ways potato is cooked, the abundant nutrients in sweet potato, or the rich taste of yam, these foods are popular for good reason. Today we would like to introduce you to one of the world's most popular, albeit lesser-known, tubers: Dioscorea alata, known as Eube or winged yams.

The name makes me think of a flying Thanksgiving dish, but winged yams are actually the most commonly used in desserts. Their sweet, nutty taste is similar to a sweet potato or taro. However, these tubers have a smoother texture, which makes them perfect for delicate treats.

Perhaps the most notable feature of winged yams is their coloration. Under the dingy exterior is surprisingly vibrant purple meat. You may hear about this food as a "purple yam plant" because of its hue. The yams keep their color when cooked, so be ready to liven up your plate!

Of course we're not just here for the food. You will find that winged yam plants make a lovely addition to the garden. Your climbing plants support charming, heart-shaped leaves. And if you're lucky, you might get some clusters of yellow and white flowers. So what are you waiting for? Let's learn all about growing purple yam!

Good Products for Growing Ube:

Brief instructions for care

The roots of Dioscorea alata can be very unusual in shape. Source: avlxyz

Everything about Ube

Dioscorea alata is a vine that can spread quickly. Source: Rigid

Before we start, let's clear up the confusion between yam and sweet potato. Although they look and taste similar, these are not the same plants. Sweet potatoes belong to the wind family, while winged yams belong to the "true yam family".

Dioscorea alata is grown all over the world and therefore has many different names. The common name Winged Yam comes from the appearance of the stem. It is square with flat ridges or "wings" that line the corners. You can also hear it as "water yam," which refers to the high water content of the tuber. These plants are also known as "ube" or "ubi" in Filipino cuisine.

Winged Yam is such an ancient plant that its exact origin is unknown, although it is believed to originate from Southeast Asia. This species, known as cult, is only known in cultivation and may even be a hybrid. It came to North America in the 1500s when it was introduced to Florida by the Spanish and Portugeuse.

Today the Eube root harvest is a staple food in Southeast Asia, West Africa and South America – especially in the Philippines. There it is mainly used in desserts, from cakes to ice cream to frappes. Despite its popularity as a dessert dish, some countries have replaced winged yam with sweet potatoes and other plants.

In the United States, winged yam has gotten a little out of control. It is reckless plants that take up any space they can find. Winged Yam has escaped cultivation in the southern United States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. It's so destructive that the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council registered it as a full-fledged invasive species. As the gardener of this plant, we are responsible for ensuring that it is held back.

It's not exactly high maintenance, but growing and containing winged yam is no mean feat. The vines are known to reach heights of 20 to 30 feet and often climb up nearby trees. They grow so fast that some gardeners have reported 8 inches of growth in a single day.

The vines aren't the only thing growing. Each plant has an underground tuber. If not harvested, the tubers will grow and grow until they are 8 feet long. Sometimes the vines grow smaller, above-ground tubers (similar to the air potato). These bulbs are said to develop into new plants and are ideal for propagation.

It may grow quickly, but these plants are not invincible. They only last the winter in zones 9-11. In colder locations, they must be grown annually.

When harvesting, it is important that you fully cook the tubers before eating as they are poisonous when raw! If a cane tastes bitter, don't eat it. Cooking should do this safely, but the bitterness is a warning sign.

Winged Yam varieties

In most places ube is ube. However, many different varieties of this species exist in other countries, particularly the Philippines. Kinampay is believed to be the original winged yam variety. It is nicknamed "Queen of the Filipino Yams" and has 4 other varieties: Tamisan, Binanag, Kabus-Ok and Binato.

With these yams, different varieties often mean different colors. While most, like Zambales, stick to the classic purple, others have different shades of white. For example, the Basco variety is white with a shade of lavender. The Leyte variety ranges from a beautiful cream color to pink.

plants

The central purple roots are in the midst of other yam forms. Source: Chotda

Like potatoes, winged yam is usually grown by planting pieces of tubers. You can buy the starter pieces online or from a friend. Small tubers can be planted whole, while large ones can be cut into several pieces. Let the pieces dry before planting or germinating.

In the tropics, Dioscorea alata can be planted at any time of the year, but usually shortly after the rainy season. Here in the US it corresponds to spring. Don't plant your yams in the ground until all chances of frost have passed.

It takes between 3 and 12 weeks for the tubers to sprout. You can be ahead of schedule by allowing the yam pieces to germinate before planting. Just put them in a bucket of dirt and keep them moist. Once they sprout, you can transplant them into their permanent homes.

Before planting in the ground, cultivate the soil well. The growing tubers will appreciate the extra space that loose soil gives them. Plant the tubers 4 to 5 inches deep and 2 feet apart. It is recommended to put organic mulch on top to hold the water and avoid weeds.

Dioscorea alata can be grown in containers, but you need to be careful about size. Use at least a 5 gallon container and harvest the yam before it grows out of your home.

maintenance

Winged yams are quite harsh plants. However, you will get the best results if you follow their care preferences. We recommend the following:

Sun and temperature

Give your winged yam full to partial sunlight. Since it comes from the tropics, it likes to be nice and warm. at least 70 ° F is preferred. If you live in zones 9-11, you can grow these plants as perennials. Otherwise, the weather will only make this yam grow seasonally. Freezing temperatures can damage the roots and cause green growth.

Water and moisture

Dioscorea is drought tolerant, but thrives best with even moisture. Water whenever the top few inches of the soil begin to dry out. Drip lines or drinking hoses are very suitable for this system. When the plants begin to die at the end of the growing season, stop watering so they don't rot.

The humidity doesn't play a big role here as long as you keep the soil moist in summer.

ground

Dioscorea alata species grow in different soils. However, for optimal growth, the soil should have the best properties. It should be loamy, fertile, full of organic matter and well drained. It is also important that the soil is loose so that the tubers can grow easily. A neutral or slightly acidic pH is fine.

Fertilize

A close up of Dioscorea alata flowers. Source: Rigid

Dioscorea alata isn't too picky about fertilizers as long as it contains nutrients. Before planting, fill the soil with organic matter and use mulch. If you want to give the plant and air bulbs an extra boost, apply a balanced fertilizer several times during the growing season.

Pruning and training

As a climber, this vine will appreciate a trellis to grow on. A support also promotes the growth of your plant. When climbing, the vines expand and expose more leaf surface for photosynthesis.

Use a trellis, fence, or even a host tree. If the vines can't get support on their own, gently wrap them around it. If necessary, tie them loosely with a piece of cloth. If your plant outgrows its support, cut back the vines with sharp, clean clippers.

If your Dioscorea alata is growing air tubers that you don't want to reproduce, cut them off before they mature. This potentially invasive plant spreads quickly through air bulbs and we want to keep it under control. Destroy the air bulbs before throwing them away so they don't take root in your compost bin.

Multiplication

Dioscorea rarely blooms in much of the United States, so seeds are not a common method of propagation. Instead, gardeners rely on air tubers or root propagation. First, cut off the root or air bulbs from the rest of the plant. If you don't have a very small tuber, cut it into several pieces. Everyone is a potential Dioscorea alata.

After cutting, you need to let the pieces dry for a few days. Otherwise, the new wounds could rot quickly while planting. Dip the cut end in wood ash to speed up the process.

Once dry, bury the pieces in a bucket of dirt and keep them moist. Once they sprout, you can move the baby yams into their permanent home.

Harvesting and storing

Some roots can become absolutely massive over time. Source: sassycrafter

Prepare your dessert recipes because it's harvest time! Each system is unique, so the process shouldn't take too long.

harvest

When the tubers are ripe, the foliage turns yellow and dies. This is your cue to grab the shovel and start harvesting. This usually happens from November to January. If the frost hits your area earlier, harvest early.

Gently pull up the entire plant with a shovel if necessary. Remove the tubers from the vine and brush off the dirt. As simple as that!

Make sure to remove all tubers, air tubers, and vines from the ground so that nothing is left on its own. Otherwise, you could have a particularly invasive plant on your hands.

If you live in USDA Zones 9-11, you have the option to grow your Dioscorea alata for 2 years or more. Just leave it in the ground for the winter. It will likely shed its leaves and rest for at least a few months. In the following harvest season, you should have a massive payout.

storage

You can keep your freshly harvested Dioscorea on the kitchen counter or in the pantry. It just has to stay dry, otherwise it can sprout. Remember that the tubers are poisonous when raw, so you need to cook them completely. It is also advisable to wear gloves while preparing.

Cook the winged yam of Dioscorea alata like a potato. If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Pinterest for some Dioscorea dessert recipes like ube cupcakes. If you have a large tuber, you can remove one piece at a time, and the remaining winged yam is usually fine.

For long-term storage, keep your yams in a dry place. Check and remove rotten parts regularly.

Troubleshooting

Left nematode-damaged owl roots, right healthy. Source: IITA

You're in luck because Dioscorea alata doesn't have a lot of problems. We'll go over a few things, however, just in case.

Growing problems

Greening of the tubers happens when they are exposed to sunlight while growing. It's a result of the tubers producing chlorophyll, the same chemical that is responsible for photosynthesis in leaves. Depending on the amount, chlorophyll can be dangerous when consumed by humans. Stay on the safe side and throw away all the green parts.

Prevent this by always keeping the tubers covered as they grow. If at any point the tubers stick out of the ground, quickly make a mound over them.

Pests

Root node nematodes Hit this species exactly where it hurts: in the tuber. They disrupt their growth and cause lumps and deformities. Above ground, you will notice stunted growth and yellowed leaves. Prevent these nematodes by tilling the soil well before and after each harvest. You should also use crop rotation on nematode-resistant plants. If there is an infestation, try a nematicide. Treatments based on geraniol and quillaja saponaria are good organic options. Alternatively, you can add beneficial nematodes to the soil as these will hunt and kill the root-knot nematodes.

Scale insectsespecially white scales and Mealybugsare common pests that feed on Dioscorea alata juice. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants, which is another pest that needs to be eliminated. The best approach is to prevent these insects from occurring in the first place. The best measures are to keep the soil free of dirt and the plant dry. You can also prune infested vines or remove the pests one at a time with a swab of alcohol. Use insecticidal soap or beneficial predators such as lacewing or ladybirds if the infestation is large. Neem oil or horticultural oil can kill your eggs.

Diseases

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots on your beautiful Dioscorea alata species. Over time, it can yellow and wither the leaves, eventually killing them. This disease is usually not fatal to the entire plant, but it can definitely affect its growth. Try a dose of neem oil, copper fungicide, or sulfur dust fungicide to treat this fungus. Prevent anthracnose by keeping your plant clean and dry.

The Mosaic virus creates a “mosaic” of color on the leaves, usually shades of yellow and green. It sounds pretty, but the coloring is caused by damage to the veins, which is vital to the health of the plant. This disease inhibits the growth of Dioscorea alata and even affects the starch content of the tuber.

This virus is usually transmitted through cuttings of Dioscorea alata. So make sure you only plant disease-free yams. Insects can also transmit the disease. Therefore, arm yourself against pest problems. There is no cure for this disease, so prevention is your only weapon.

frequently asked Questions

Dioscorea alata leaves have a pointed tip and are heart-shaped. Source: Rigid

Q: is purple yam poisonous?

A: It can be, but only if it is eaten raw. Avoid this by fully cooking your Dioscorea alata before consuming it.

Q: Are purple yam leaves edible?

A: Dioscorea is often confused with sweet potatoes, which have edible leaves. We do not recommend eating the leaves of Dioscorea alata. While some yams have leaves that are safe after cooking, this one is still a little too risky.

Q: Are taro and yam the same?

A: No, but they are close! The tubers look and taste similar, but species of taro lack the smooth texture and vivid coloration of Dioscorea alata Winged Yam. The plants look completely independent as taro is bushy with large leaves, while winged yam is a vine.

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