Desert yam, Rock Morning Glory, Potato Vine
Ipomoea costata
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
A vine or shrub. It grows each year from the fleshy tuber. It grows to 1 m high. The longer branches reach over and creep along the ground. These often from roots at the nodes. The plant can sometimes climb up trees. The plant loses its leaves during drought. The leaves are smooth and green and leathery. The veins are yellow. The leaves are heart shaped and 5-9 cm long by 5-8 cm wide. The leaf stalk is stiff and 8 cm long. The midrib is curved. The flowers are large and showy and funnel shaped. They are pink with a red throat. The flowers are 4-5 cm across. The fruit is a capsule 1.2 cm across and with 4 or 5 black seeds. The seeds have white hairs. The tubers or large swollen roots can be 10-15 cm long. These tubers can be on long runner roots and up to 3 m from the plant. The tubers directly below the mature plant are more woody.
There are about 500 Ipomoea species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It can tolerate fire. It grows in desert conditions. Plants are mostly in sandy soil. They need an open sunny position with very good drainage. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The tuber is roasted and eaten.
A significant food plant for aboriginal people in tropical desert areas in Australia.
Edible parts
Tuber, root
How it is grown
Plant can be grown from tubers. They can also be grown from seed, stem cuttings or root cuttings.
Tubers can be harvested at any time of the year.
Its other names
Local names
Anek, Cow Vine, Kulyu