Dioscorea batatas or Chinese Yam (there is some dispute as to the latin name) Just thought I would wave the flag for this which I was given around 5 years back and planted with the runner beans, its first season it was a bit of a curiosity however I got a bit more interested when it came back stronger the second year and I am now confidant can be regarded as hardy in the UK, and when in its third year it flowered lots and we caught a whiff of the most gorgeous perfume I have been a fan ever since.
The flowers never seem to open but release scent all day and it drifts many feet from the plant which later in the season produces hundreds of little tubers in the leaf axils which you either eat or use to grow an annual crop for the edible tubers (not tried eating any yet!) Any other fans out there? or any other yams worth a go? dioscrea batatas005 by charliepridham, on Flickr dioscorea batatas007 by charliepridham, on Flickr
Dioscorea batatas seems not to be a valid name at all but thats what most people eating it seem to use! I think it may now be Dioscorea opposita. I am going to be planting several more of these near any seats in the garden, the scent is on a par with honeysuckle for strength and loveliness :)
