Lesser Yam: A Tropical Climbing Edible for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your garden while growing your own food, the lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) might catch your interest. This climbing perennial herb is quite different from your typical garden vegetable – it’s actually a vine that produces edible tubers underground while creating a lush, leafy display above ground.
What Exactly Is Lesser Yam?
Lesser yam is a perennial forb herb, meaning it’s a vascular plant without significant woody tissue. Unlike trees or shrubs, it lacks the thick, woody stems but makes up for it with vigorous climbing growth. The plant produces heart-shaped leaves that create an attractive green canopy when given proper support to climb.
Where Does It Come From?
This plant isn’t native to the United States – it originally hails from Southeast Asia, particularly regions like Malaysia and Indonesia. In the US, you’ll find it growing in tropical territories including Guam, Palau, and Puerto Rico, where it has been introduced and now reproduces on its own in the wild.
Should You Grow Lesser Yam?
The decision to grow lesser yam depends on your gardening goals and location. Here are some things to consider:
The Good: If you’re interested in growing unique, tropical food crops and live in a warm climate, lesser yam can be an interesting addition to your garden. The tubers are edible and nutritious, and the climbing habit can provide attractive green coverage for fences or trellises.
The Considerations: Since this isn’t a native plant, it won’t provide the same benefits to local wildlife and ecosystems that native species would. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, offering minimal value to pollinators.
Native Alternatives: If you’re looking for native climbing plants, consider species like wild potato vine or native morning glories that will better support your local ecosystem.
Growing Conditions and Care
Lesser yam is definitely a warm-weather plant. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10-12 only – this plant needs consistently warm, tropical conditions
- Soil: Well-draining soil that doesn’t get waterlogged
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Support: A trellis, fence, or other structure for the vine to climb
- Space: Give it room to spread – this vine can get quite vigorous
Planting and Care Tips
Growing lesser yam is relatively straightforward if you live in the right climate:
- Plant tuber pieces in warm soil after any danger of cool weather has passed
- Provide a sturdy support structure from the beginning
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Be patient – tubers typically take 6-8 months to develop
- Harvest carefully to avoid damaging the tubers
Garden Design Role
In the right setting, lesser yam can serve multiple purposes. It works well in:
- Tropical food gardens where you’re growing a variety of edible plants
- Permaculture systems as a climbing food crop
- Ethnobotanical gardens showcasing plants from different cultures
- As a temporary privacy screen on fences or trellises
The Bottom Line
Lesser yam can be an interesting addition for gardeners in tropical climates who want to experiment with unusual edible plants. However, since it’s not native and doesn’t offer significant benefits to local wildlife, you might want to prioritize native species in your landscape. If you do decide to grow it, make sure you’re in the right climate zone and can provide the warm, tropical conditions it needs to thrive.
Remember, successful gardening often means working with your local ecosystem rather than against it. While lesser yam might be fun to try, don’t forget to include plenty of native plants that will support your local pollinators and wildlife!
