Lesser Yam

Dioscorea esculenta, Dioscoreaceae

Zones

9–12

Layer

Root

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

ProducerGround CoverTrellisDynamic Accumulator

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (preferred)Full Sun (tolerated)

Water

High (established)High (fruiting)High (seedling)

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Elequeme Coral TreeErythrina berteroana

Nitrogen FixationPhysical Support

RaintreeAlbizia saman

Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

Yam-leaf DalechampiaDalechampia dioscoreifolia

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Cush-cush YamDioscorea trifida

Closely related yam species compete for underground space and may share similar pathogens

Intoxicating YamDioscorea hispida

Congeneric yams compete for soil resources and may cross-contaminate with toxins or pathogens

Small-flower YamDioscorea minutiflora

Congeneric yam species exhibit root competition and potential chemical interference in shared growing spaces

Uses

Functions

Root Crop ProductionSoil ImprovementVertical Growing

Edible Parts

TubersYoung Shoots

Medicinal Uses

DigestiveNutritional Supplement

Common Questions

What zones does Lesser Yam grow in?

Lesser Yam grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12.

What are good companion plants for Lesser Yam?

Good companions for Lesser Yam include Elequeme Coral Tree, Raintree, Yam-leaf Dalechampia.

Design guilds with Lesser Yam and see companion relationships visually.

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