Wild Yam is not only a traditional Chinese medicine, but also a delicacy in rural areas. The best time to consume wild yam is during the sixth and seventh lunar months. So why is it difficult to find wild yam in the market?
Why is it difficult to find wild yam in the market?
The scarcity of wild yam in the market may be due to its once-a-year fruiting, low yield, and relatively low profit.
The current method for fast seedling cultivation of wild yam is asexual reproduction. In early spring, the one-year-old stem is cut into small sections of 10-15cm, both ends are disinfected with lime water, and the stems are placed in a trench 5-10cm deep in the seedbed, covered with soil, and watered. After one month, roots and shoots can emerge.
Difference between wild yam and sweet potato
Although wild yam contains the word "yam," it is actually a different plant from sweet potato. Wild yam is more like a wild fruit, which can be considered a very unique wild fruit.
Generally speaking, wild fruits grow on trees, while these wild fruits grow on vines in the soil, making them look quite distinctive.
Wild yam is very small, it can be picked up with two fingers, and it has a round shape and a red outer skin.
When you break open a wild yam, you can see that the inside is hollow, and the flesh is red with a granular texture.
Main value of wild yam
1. Wild yam is suitable for greening parks or places prone to trampling by visitors, as it can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Because of its tough and dense vines, they naturally "weave" into a "giant fishing net," firmly holding loose soil and sand;
In addition, with its dense leaves acting as a permanent "cover," it resembles a permanent green carpet, making it an excellent choice for sand prevention and soil conservation that other ground cover plants cannot match.
2. Wild yam can also be cultivated as a fruit, suitable for intercropping in orchards, turning traditional single-season orchards into double-season orchards.
It can also be used for hanging baskets as a decorative fruit or foliage, with its flexible and lush green vines creating a beautiful scene of "green silk hanging down in thousands of strands."
In summary, wild yam is a versatile plant that can be used for food, medicine, greening, and ornamental purposes.
