Oxalis tuberosa, often known as New Zealand yam, is a plant species belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. Peru and Bolivia are its native places in the Andes of South America. The nutty flavored tuberous roots are what this plant is renowned for. Ranging from 2 to 5 cm across, the tubers are quite small. The New Zealand yam itself is an herbaceous perennial reaching about 30 cm tall. Its leaves are trifoliate, so each leaf has three leaflets. The leaves are clover-like and green. In regards to its flowers, Oxalis tuberosa makes small, five-petaled blooms in white, pink, yellow or purple. Long stalks bear the clustered blooms. Quite adaptable, the New Zealand yam can grow in varied types of soil and climates. It likes well-drained earth and full sun or some shade. Division and its tubers can propagate the plant. In summary, Oxalis tuberosa or New Zealand yam is a versatile plant with tasty tubers, pretty blooms, and simple growing needs. It is a useful crop in its native area and popular elsewhere for its unique flavor and nutrition.
New zealand-yam
- Scientific name
- Oxalis tuberosa
Basic Information
- Oxalidaceae Family Oxalis Genus New zealand-yam Species
- Oxalidaceae > Oxalis > Oxalis tuberosa
- 83%
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- Forb/herb
- Perennial
- Vegetable
- Height
- 20cm ~ 50cm
- Flower Color
- Leaf Color
- Anthesis
- summer
- Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun Long hours of sunlight from morning to afternoon Partial Shade A location in the shade of a tree or where either the morning or afternoon is shaded Full Shade A place where there is no direct sunlight
- Full Sun
- Hardiness Zones
This is an indicator to know to which zone each plant can winter. Knowing the zone of each plant gives you an idea of the cold temperature resistance when grown in the ground without a roof. 2: -42.7 to -40.0 3: -39.9 to -34.4 4: -34.3 to -28.9 5: -28.8 to -23.3 6: -23.2 to -17.8 7: -17.7 to -12.2 8: -12.1 to -6.7 9: -6.6 to -1.1 10: -1.0 to 4.4 11: 4.5 to 10.0
- 7-10
- Cold resistance
- Fair
- Heat resistance
- Good
- Habitat of origin
- Peru, Bolivia
- Growth Rate
- Normal
What is New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)?
What is New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
Flower meaning
The flower language shares America with the New Zealand-yam is endurance or perseverance. This plant persists often utilized embodies the ability to grow challenges and hardships. It symbolizes the steadiness and assurance to continue, even though difficult periods. The New Zealand-yam's energetic and resilient characteristics crafts it an appropriate symbol for endurance. It functions as an indication to stay vigorous and resilient facing difficulty. The communication of plants permits individuals to convey purposeful messages and emotions by the choice of precise flowers.
Calendar of New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
Calendar
New zealand-yam, also known as oca, is a plant that belongs to the Oxalis genus. In the country, this vegetation commonly blossoms during the spring and summer months. The opening time of New zealand-yam changes based on the precise site and atmospheric factors. Though, it is commonly noticed that the florae are at their finest during the weeks of May to July. The duration of blossoming can continue for a number of days, gifting a gorgeous exhibit of colorful florets. The extent of time obligatory for efflorescence can range from a couple days to a pair of weeks. To craft the florets bloom extended, it is suggested to endow the greenery with enough sunlight, hydration, and nutriments. Furthermore, deadheading the exhausted florets can encourage the greenery to yield more florescence.
How to grow New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
Watering
The optimal frequency and method of watering for the New Zealand-yam plant depends on the season and soil humidity. During the growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer, the plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture. Every 2-3 days, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged is recommended. The amount of water needed can vary depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions, but generally, providing 1-2 inches of water per week is sufficient. In contrast, during the dormant season in fall and winter, the plant requires less frequent watering. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Monitoring the soil moisture level and adjusting the watering frequency accordingly is crucial for the health and growth of the New Zealand-yam plant. As needs for care vary, the ayam sechium requires regular waterings and soil checkups to ensure healthy growth. Dry dormant periods are needed over winter. Overall frequency and volume of watering depends heavily on New Zealand seasons.
Soil and Fertilizer
New zealand-yam, also known as oca, thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to apply proper drainage. During the growing season, it is beneficial to side-dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate or meal, to promote foliage growth. This can be done every 4 weeks, applying approximately 1/4 to 1/2 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet. Regular soil testing is recommended to monitor nutrient levels and adjust fertilizer applications accordingly. Additionally, maintaining proper soil moisture and providing adequate sunlight are essential for the successful cultivation of New zealand-yam.
Sunlight and Place
New Zealand-yam, an evergreen herbaceous vine native to New Zealand, requires bright light to thrive. Although it has some tolerance for brief cold spells, the plant gravitates to warm, sunny locations and suffers in excessively hot conditions. Its succulent stems and leaf pads store moisture well. In lower light, its trailing stems become lanky as the plant reaches for illumination. Outdoors, a site with southern exposure often suits it best. There it can soak up lots of sun while avoiding the direct afternoon heat of western and eastern exposures. Although remarkably adaptable, provide the vine at least four hours of sun per day. Beyond sunshine, enrich the soil with compost to nourish its rapid growth habit. Take care not to overwater. While the foliage and stems should never totally dry out, soggy soil can choke the roots. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings. Indoors, provide brilliant light to keep the plant full and compact.
Advanced Information of New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
Pruning
New zealand-yam, also known as oca, does not require regular pruning or cutting back. But, situation prunes maybe necessity. Prunes typically done removes dead or damaged branches, improves plant's shape, or controls size. If you notices any dead or diseases branches on your New zealand-yam plant, it's important prunes them off prevents spread disease and promotes healthy growth. Prunes should done during plant's dormant period, usually in late winter or early spring. To prune plant, start removing any dead or damaged branches using clean, sharp pruning shears. Make clean cuts just above healthy bud or lateral branch. Avoid cutting too close main stem, as can cause damage. After pruning, it's important clean up any debris and dispose properly prevents spread disease. You can also apply layer mulch around base plant helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth. Remember, New zealand-yams plants are generally low-maintenance and do not require extensive pruning. Only prune when necessary and always use clean, sharp tools minimizes risk disease transmission.
Planting and Harvest
New Zealand-yam, also known as oca, is a sensitive root vegetable grown on Earth. Grow the gentle plant by covering with friable compost in a suitable container. Delicately move to a bigger vessel as the soft roots expand. Guard against overwatering to avoid rotting. Site in filtered light and protect from extremes. Monitor carefully for problems and manage gently. More specifics can be found in quality publications.
Propagation
New zealand-yam, also known as oca, can be propagated through various methods such as sowing seeds, division, cuttings, and leaf cuttings. Using mature seeds collected from the plant for sowing in containers with suitable soil is an option. Keep moist and sunny. Separating tubers from parent plant and planting individually in pots or ground can help propagate through division. Ensure sufficient roots and shoots. For cuttings, remove lower leaves of stem cuttings from healthy plants. Dip cut end in rooting agent and place in potting mix. Provide indirect light until roots grow. Leaf cuttings in moist soil partially buried can also propagate new zealand-yam. Keep soil consistently moist and new plants will emerge from leaf base. Dig carefully around plant to harvest tubers after 90-120 days, avoiding damage. Gently remove from soil when tubers reach desired size.
Pests and Diseases
New zealand-yam, also known as oca, is susceptible to several pests and diseases. One common pest is the larvae of potato tuber moth, causing damage to the New zealand-yam. Practice good crop hygiene by removing and destroying infected material. Regular monitoring of the New zealand-yam crop and early detection of infestation helps prevent further spread. The small aphids also feed on the New zealand-yam, causing stunted leaf growth. Natural predators like ladybugs reduce aphid populations. The fungal disease powdery mildew appears as a white coating on the New zealand-yam parts, slowing photosynthesis and plant vigor. Prevent powdery mildew by allowing adequate airflow and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, withering can result from issues like drought stress and root rot. Taking steps like providing adequate irrigation, maintaining soil drainage and rotating crops helps prevent these problems.
Habitat of New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
Habitat
Toxicity of New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
Health Benefits
- edible
- edible
- Toxic
- No toxicity
NO DATA
Toxic for dogs and cats
NO DATA
Q&A of New zealand-yam (Oxalis tuberosa)
- Is there a recommended way to choose New zealand-yam?
The New zealand-yam now Oxalis tuberosa, plant specific adapts to climate. Healthy seed select, for roots and stems. Growing conditions, should have good soil drainage, water. With care when purchase seedlings, harvest successful.
- Where to find New Zealand yam seeds?
Two lines. In modern world, New Zealand yam seeds of scientific name Oxalis tuberosa can be available in certain specialized stores for exotic plants and vegetables. Additionally, the seeds exist in some online seed stores and several garden centers. Getting high-quality and viable seeds needs verifying if the suppliers are reputable.