The compact growth habit allows for easier management. Yam, Dioscorea alata. The tropical yam is often confused with sweet potato, which is sometimes called 'yam' in the United States. Those who know the tropical yam, however, will not mistake it with sweet potato. The yam is an important carbohydrate food that is relatively easy to grow.
Yams have a very specific life cycle.
At ECHO, this usually begins in February and March. As the tuber breaks dormancy, the energy is transferred from the tuber into stem and leaf growth. This vegetative stage, lasting 6 to 8 months, occurs during the warm and humid summer months. A new root system and tuber develops with most of the tuber development occurring toward the end of the rainy season and into fall. When the vine dies back, the tuber is ready for harvest.