Cinnamon Vine: A Cold-Hardy Yam that Grows "Potatoes" Like Fruit

Dioscorea polystachya

[10]

In the early 19th century, due to the historically reclusive nature of the Chinese Empire, the existence of the Cinnamon Vine was thought to be a hoax: a crypto-botanic specimen that existed solely within the mind of a delusional geek somewhere [3].

"Sure, Rodger, I believe you about your 'potato tree.'"

However, for want of an alternative crop following the horrific Irish potato famine (1845-1849), such rumors were investigated in earnest. Just like that, alternative root-crop speculation became a real thing, and people couldn't believe what they could possibly have on their hands with D. polystachya: an ornamental yam that bears "potatoes" like fruit from its branches AND it could survive the winter [4].

*Hear the collective gasp of so many 19th century commodities traders.

The search was on. 

The Western world discovered that not only was the plant real, but— had they simply noticed things—  they would have known that D. polystachya had been a staple food heavily sold in the public bazaars of Singapore for yearrrrrsssss [5].

Geeks gave way to actual nerds who investigated and delivered actual lectures at actual government institutes and symposiums on D. polystachya [3].  Suddenly, grand prize ribbons were being affixed to 25-inch (64 cm) Chinese yams at fairs in New York City and Paris [6]. People were singing the praises of D. polystachya in the streets. The West could hardly believe that the roots, cut in three pieces and buried in sand, could survive the ten-months-long journey by boat from China to New York City totally alive and ready to plant [6]. 

The Chinese Yam was delicious, and seemingly indestructible; speculators were going crazy; surely, Rodger was furious, but then...

Nothing.

The ascent of D. polystachya was as dramatic and sudden as its departure; the Chinese Yam virtually disappeared from the American record and consciousness as a flash of fireworks or a one-hit wonder. WHY? Without a definitive answer, I believe there were a few factors at play.

There are passing references to the relative inconvenience of harvest of the Chinese Yam compared with the potato; apparently the root runs deep and is harder to harvest [10]. Then the potato overcame it's near extinction and re-entered the market.

Finally, the ease with which D. polystachya grows may well have contributed to its fall into obscurity. The plant is now listed as invasive in many parts of America. Why pay for something that offers itself for free? I mean, other than this site. Feel free to send money to this site whenever.

Literature

I'll leave you with the words of New York City nursery-man, William R. Prince... a man who fought hard to bring this plant into regular agricultural rotation. 

"As a summary of its properties, we have, first—its per-
fect hardihood; second—its agreeable and highly nutritious
quality; third—its easy and cheap culture; fourth—its abund-
ant product; fifth—its capacity of being preserved in a dry
and perfect state, above a year, free from sprouting and decay.
It would be, indeed, a difficult task for the mind of man to con-
ceive and demand a more perfect boon from his Creator."

William R. Prince (1857) [3] 

Cinnamon Vine Habitat

This plant is grown in gardens under a variety of conditions, but has escaped cultivation and is largely considered invasive on the eastern half of the United States especially in moist/disturbed areas [11]. 

How to Grow Cinnamon Vine

A study appearing in the Annals of Botany concluded that the bulbils more effectively produced new plants after several months of cold stratification (planted in October) [9]. Dioscorea polystachya can be grown by planting the bulbils, portions of the root, or cuttings. The latter option is said to yield the smallest tubers at harvest time. 

Culinary Uses of Chinese Yam

Dioscorea polystachya presents aerial tubers that can be eaten raw or cooked and yam below ground that can be prepared in the same manner [3]. The root tubers can be dried and ground into flour for breads and puddings [3]. 

[7]

[8] Note: "...destined to entirely supersede the potato..."

Chinese Yam Videos

Pull Up Your Plants! (PUYP) is now receiving visits from all over the world. Please take the time to leave a comment or subscribe below. I’d like to hear about your experiences with cinnamon vine.

For source citations, please email Kevin Healey at

pullupyourplants.   @   gmail.com

With Love,

Kevin.