Icho-imo is a variety of Dioscorea polystachya with tubers that fan out resembling the shape of a ginko leaf. Dioscorea polystachya roots usually grow straight down and deep into the soil, along with their brittle roots it can be a lot of work to harvest the tubers, requiring the excavation of a large hole. Ichoimo varieties makes harvest much easier. Often these alternative tuber forms do not produce many bulbils. This is a selection grown specificly for the edible tuber. Bulbils are clones, making them a great way to propagate these plants.
5 bulbils in each 'seed' pack
LATIN: Dioscorea polystachya aka Dioscorea opposita aka Dioscorea batatas
ZONE HARDINESS: 4-11
PLANTING: Store bulbils at room temperature until ready for planting. Plant in spring as you would a seed, in pots or directly into the ground. Unlike a seed, they are clones, producing genetically identical plants. Provide a trellis.
EDIBILITY: In chinese medicine the tubers are a longevity tonic named Shan Yao.
