Sphenostylis erecta, the African Yam Bean, is a herbaceous perennial legume with edible tubers and seeds, native to tropical Africa and widely cultivated for its nutritio
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flowering.
Regular, keep soil moist
50% intensity
Avoid waterlogging, reduce in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost; it is not cold-hardy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.
Ensure good drainage to prevent issues.
Prune to maintain desired shape and size, and to remove any dead or damaged stems. Pinching back young plants can encourage bushier growth. Late winter or early spring is generally the best time for significant pruning.
Propagate primarily from seeds sown in spring after the last frost. Cuttings can also be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood stems during the growing season. Ensure seeds are fresh for best germination rates.
Repot young plants annually or every two years to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. Mature plants may benefit from repotting less frequently, perhaps every 3-4 years. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis erecta)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Sphenostylis |
| Species | Sphenostylis erecta |
Similar in genus Sphenostylis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
