Yam-bean

Pachyrhizus erosus

Pachyrhizus

Fabaceae

Tropical Plants

Zone 6–11

Yam-bean thrives in warm, humid conditions with partial shade and consistent moisture — avoid waterlogging or prolonged drought. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil and provide a trellis or support for its vigorous climbing vines. Harvest the starchy, edible roots after 4-6 months and note that the seeds and pods contain rotenone and should not be consumed.

Care Requirements

Care Level

Moderate

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Moderate

Growth Rate

Moderate

Mature Height

12″ – 48″

Soil

loam

Life Cycle

Perennial

Spacing

18″

Watering Schedule

Every 5-7 Days • Water Deeply Until Soil Is Thoroughly Moist, Then Allow The Top Inch To Dry Before Watering Again

Temperature

-10° – 95°F

Mature Spread

up to 18″

Root Depth

Deep

Foliage

Medium

Propagation: Seed

Ecology & Origin

Native to

Andaman Is.

Assam

Bangladesh

Belize

Bismarck Archipelago

Brazil North

Brazil Northeast

Brazil Southeast

Brazil West-Central

Cambodia

Cameroon

Caroline Is.

China South-Central

China Southeast

Christmas I.

Costa Rica

Cuba

Dominican Republic

East Himalaya

El Salvador

Attracts

🐝 Bees

🐝 Butterflies

Safety & Use

🍳 Culinary

⚕ Medicinal

Sources

Data: trefle

Image: trefle.io — Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wibowo Djatmiko (Wie146) (cc-by-sa)

Hardiness Zones

Check your zone:

Available From (0)

No nurseries currently have this species in stock.