Hello,
we live in the central part of Peru with tropical, or sub-tropical climate (high jungle). Recently we've encountered a strange, stone-looking fruit, growing on a vine, locally known as "papa del aire" (potato of the air) or "papa del monte" (potato of the jungle). The taste resembles much that of the potato, and - just like the potato - it can be cooked or fried. Does anyone know this plant?
Sylvain,
many thanks for your response. However, I don't think it's the air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera). The biggest difference is the fruit which is not round like the one of Dioscorea bulbifera. It has sharp edges and pretty much resembles a stone. The leaf seems almost identical, but the Dioscorea bulbifera has a larger opening at the place where the stem enters.
Enfo...you might try posting your question and the photos on the "Plant ID" forum as well.
Definitely the Air Potato , Dioscorea bulbifera.
This plant is the widely grown cultivar, which makes good food! The triangular shape of the potato shows this!
The wild plant has a round potato.
Steam the potatos for 45 mins. to an hour, then peel them and add to a recipe.
Grated and sautéed with olive oil and sea salt makes good hash-browns.
This is an airloom staple found in the Pacific Islands.
I agree that it's Dioscorea bulbifera. That wiki article is a bit short sighted. The plant is more wide spread as a native than suggested. And in that range it has some variability. The native one here was eaten by the indigenous people, but only the underground tuber. The bulblets in the leaf axils are always small. However, there are also cultivars with large rounded bulblets.
