RE: Off topic question, Dioscorea sp.!

From: "Harry Witmore" harrywitmore at witmore.net> on 2001.12.31 at 01:14:04(7997) I have been looking for sources of this genus. If anyone knows where one can get them please let me know. I have a species that occurs here either naturally or introduced but I'm not sure what species it is. It produces leaves about 2" across and tubers about the size of a nickel. I in zone 7 North Carolina. +More Harry WitmoreCloud Jungle Artwww.witmore.net -----Original Message-----From: aroid-l@mobot.org [mailto:aroid-l@mobot.org]On Behalf Of Durightmm@aol.comSent: Sunday, December 30, 2001 6:13 PMTo: Multiple recipients of list AROID-LSubject: Re: Off topic question, Dioscorea sp.!Hi Julius, according to our mutual friend John B. the dioscorea in abundance here is considered a famine food. The instability of the starch renders it virtually useless. He hopes to elaborate on this with you when you come over, soon? We are also not certain of it's species name. Bulbifera is a popular horticultural name only. It's cousin D. zanzibarense makes a lovely addition to any garden , as you probably know, and makes a better food. Our D. bulbifera tubers can get to be near basketball size. As an aside we also have D. elaphantissimum who produces no aerial tubers. The female produces an intrersting flower and many seeds. They prefere high well drained soil, as around the base of a pine. Can you use some of them? Best regards Joe

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