Yellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam

At maturity, this species reaches approximately 1-2 meters in length (vining), presenting Heart-shaped, dark green leaves with a smooth texture along with Small, greenish-white flowers, often borne in clusters, followed by Produces a capsule containing seeds, but the tuber is the main edible part. These features are supported by a reliable Thick and starchy tuber that grows underground, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

Native to Tropical regions of West Africa, Yellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam thrives in Prefers well-drained soils, often found in humid conditions at elevations around Sea level to approximately 1,500 meters. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zone 9-11. Whether grown indoor, in a curated garden or a more natural setting, its ecological requirements help maintain its vigor over time.

You can use our free plant identify app PlantPlants to chose the best spot for Yellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam, This plant prefers Full sun to partial shade and flourishes in Loamy, sandy, or clay soils that are well-drained with a soil pH of about 5.5 7.0.

Yellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam needs watering,Regular watering during the growing season; avoid waterlogging, guided by PlantPlants app, You can get plants daily watering schedule. to maintain Moist but well-drained soil, ensure steady hydration. Applying water through Drip irrigation or regular garden watering supports even distribution and helps prevent overwatering or dryness.

Yellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam performs best within 20 C to 30 C (68 F to 86 F). Its ideal growth occurs at around 25 C (77 F), though it tolerates ranges from Min: 15 C (59 F), Max: 35 C (95 F). Additionally, maintaining Prefers high humidity (60% and above) encourages healthy foliage and overall plant vigor.

Feeding with Balanced fertilizer (N-P-K ratio) at the recommended Seasonal Application Frequency on PlantPlants App keeps nutrients balanced. Incorporating Compost or well-rotted manure enhances soil structure and fertility, while staying alert to Yellowing leaves, stunted growth helps you adjust care as needed to maintain optimal plant health.

Regular attention ensures this plant’s beauty and longevity. Early spring, before new growth for Remove dead or damaged vines; trim to maintain desired size tidies its appearance, while Every 2-3 years if grown in pots may be necessary as it grows, requiring a Increase pot size by 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) when repotting increase and a fresh Well-draining potting mix with organic matter. for Staking or Support. Requires support as it is a vining plant.

During None; may slow during extreme temperatures, growth may slow and some Leaves may yellow and drop in very dry conditions can occur. For those looking to propagate, consider By tuber division or offsets and provide Warm temperatures, moist soil when starting from seed. If using cuttings, follow Not typically propagated by cuttings; prefers tubers to ensure successful rooting and healthy new plants.

our free plant identify and care app PlantPlants can help you diagnosisYellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam problems.Though generally robust, keep watch for Root-knot nematodes, aphids and remain vigilant against Fungal rot, wilts. Implementing Crop rotation, healthy soil management and applying Insecticidal soap for pests, fungicide for fungal issues when issues arise will help sustain the plant thriving.

This plant pairs nicely with Legumes, maize and shows May inhibit certain weeds, making it a flexible choice for various Edible landscaping, ground cover in tropical gardens.

the Edible Parts: Tuber. Toxicty of Yellow Guinea Yam, Cayenne Yam, Generally edible, but raw tubers may cause digestive distress; cooking recommended. learning about its Harvest when leaves die back, usually late summer to early autumn, Can be boiled, baked, or made into porridge, and High in carbohydrates, vitamins (B6) and minerals (potassium, manganese) can be intriguing for culinary explorers. Some traditions highlight its Traditionally used to treat various ailments in local cultures or note its Important staple food in West Africa.

With an Not assessed, proper Sustainable farming practices, habitat preservation