TsukuneImo is a variety of Dioscorea polystachya with rounded 'dumpling' shaped tubers. Dioscorea polystachya tubers typically grow straight and deep into the soil, along with their brittle roots it can be difficult to harvest the tubers, requiring the excavation of a large hole. TsukuneImo varieties make harvest easier. Often, improved tuber forms of Dioscorea polystachya do not produce many bulbils. Nara is special because it both makes lots of large bulbils, and has an easier to dig tuber.
Bulbils are clones, making them a great way to propagate these plants. Plant bulbils in deep loose soil for the best chance of the improved Tsukune Imo shape developing.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dioscorea polystachya var. tsukuneimo cv. 'Nara'
syn. Dioscorea opposita, 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.
