False Yam
Icacina oliviformis var. oliviformis
- Native to:
- Benin, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan-South Sudan, Togo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Icacinaceae
- Genus:
- Icacina
- Species:
- Icacina oliviformis var. oliviformis
- USDA Symbol:
- ICSE
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Geophyte with large underground tuber; resprouts vigorously after fire or dry season dieback.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to arid regions with sparse vegetation