A GLOBAL INVENTORY OF PERENNIAL VEGETABLES

Eric Toensmeier

This post is to celebrate the release of my new Perennial Vegetable Gardening DVD!

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Perennial Vegetables Defined

These are crops that fit my definition of perennial vegetable: living three or more years, used as a vegetable and not a novelty crop or culinary herb, and not destroyed by harvesting. Some of these root crops are plant/replant perennials, meaning they are dug up for harvest but then some portion is replanted in the same or another hole, keeping the plant alive to produce again the following year. By vegetable I mean leaves, leafstalks, shoots, flowers, flowerbuds (broccolis), tubers, corms, rhizomes, roots, pods, beans and other above- or below-ground parts that are eaten raw or cooked as a meal or side dish. In the case of fruits I means fruits that are cooked and eaten as a meal or side dish (e.g., eggplant), not dessert fruits (e.g., strawberries).

Climate Zones

These are based on those listed in Perennial Vegetables, which were developed for the US and Canada. I have added a few more climate types to make this a more global resource, though it is not a perfect fit in every case. Species listed in a climate zone will be perennial in all or most of that zone. Woody plants listed as “dieback” will be frost-killed but re-sprout to provide a legitimate harvest of some or all of their products (e.g., moringa will re-sprout and grow 15-20’, sometimes setting pods but always plenty of edible leaves.)

The Species

This is by no means a comprehensive list. However it includes the best I know of, with more marginal species added in for cold climates. Tropical species are mainly the best candidates as a much greater number of crops are available. I’ve added about ninety crops not profiled in Perennial Vegetables for a grand total of almost two hundred.

Region of Origin

Note that this is a global inventory of perennial vegetables. Always start with species native to your region and build out from there. Some of these species are, or could become, serious weeds outside of their native range. A single asterisk (*) in the “Origin” column indicates a terrestrial species that has or could naturalize aggressively. A double asterisk (**) indicates aquatic species, which are particularly likely to naturalize and should be grown with caution outside their native range. Please don’t have a heart attack about seeing air potato for example, remember it’s a global list, and it is native from Africa through Australia. You don’t have to grow it just because it is listed in your climate zone.

Form

Describes the form of the plant, from tree to cactus to herb etc. There’s a lot more than herbaceous perennials out there!

Edible Parts

Describes the edible portion used as a vegetable, as well as other edible uses. Note that most of these vegetables should be cooked. The notes indicate some species noted for toxicity, which absolutely must be cooked before eating.

Sun and Shade

Indicates light preferences. One of the great things about perennial vegetables is that there are so many for shade

Moisture

Preferred moisture including wet, mesic (medium), and dry. Also includes aquatic plant niches, including emergent aquatics (roots under water but leaves emerging above the water surface, from deep or shallow water), emergent floaters (similar but leaves floating at the water surface and not extending above it), floating aquatics (floating at the surface but not rooted into soil below), and submerged aquatics (completely underwater).

Notes

This column has information on nuisances like spines and stinging, as well as toxicity or other concerns.

EXTREME COLD: This region covers most of inland Canada as well as the northern U.S. and portions of Europe and Asia. It corresponds with USDA zones 1-3, and Sunset Zones 1, 44, and 45. Note that heavy snow cover can provide excellent insulation in this zone, but the short season and lack of hot summers are serious limiting factors. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Allium cernuum nodding wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa showy & common milkweed North America herb shoots, flowerbuds, young leaves, pods sun dry to mesic Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Helianthus maximiliani Maximilan sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke Eastern North America giant herb tubers sun mesic Lemna spp. duckweed Worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern Eurasia, North America fern shoots part to shade wet to mesic must be cooked Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Oxyria digyna mountain sorrel Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic Perideridia gairdnerii yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic Rheum x cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead North America** herb tubers, shoots sun deep emergent aquatic Typha spp. cattail Worldwide** grasslike shoots, root shoots, root starch, flowerbuds, pollen sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Wolffia spp. water meal Worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic

COLD TEMPERATE: This is a large and highly populated region covering much the eastern and central United States, as well as much of the warmer parts of Canada. Much of Europe and Asia, as some of temperate South America is in this climate type. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 4–7, and Sunset Zones 2–4, 6, 11, and 32–43. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic Allium cepa aggregatum multiplier onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium cernuum nodding wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium tricoccum ramps North America herb whole plants part to shade wet to mesic Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Apios americana groundnut North America vine tubers, beans sun to part wet to mesic Aralia cordata udo Asia giant herb shoots part shade mesic Arundinaria gigantea river cane North America* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa showy & common milkweed North America herb shoots, flowerbuds, young leaves, pods sun dry to mesic Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic Asphodeline lutea yellow asphodel Eurasia herb tubers sun mesic Beta vulgaris maritima sea beet Eurasia* herb greens sun mesic Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb greens, broccolis sun to part dry to mesic Camassia cusickii camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia leichtlinnii camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia quamash camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia scillioides camass Eastern North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Cedrella sinensis fragrant spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Chenopodium bonus-henricus good King Henry Eurasia herb greens, shoots, broccolis sun to part mesic Cichorium intybus chicory Eurasia* herb greens sun to part mesic Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun dry to mesic Crambe maritima sea kale Eurasia herb greens, broccolis, roots sun dry to mesic Dioscorea japonica jinenjo Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Hablitzia tamnoides Caucasian spinach Eurasia vine greens, shoots part shade dry to mesic Helianthus maximiliani Maximilan sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke Eastern North America giant herb tubers sun mesic Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowerbuds, flowers sun to part mesic Laportaea canadensis wood nettle Eastern North America herb greens part to shade mesic stings, must be cooked Lemna spp. duckweed Worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic Levisticum officinale lovage Eurasia herb greens, shoots, leafstalks sun to part mesic Lomatium spp. biscuit root North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic Lycium chinense leaf goji Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny Malva moschata gumbo leaf mallow Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern Eurasia, North America fern shoots part to shade wet to mesic must be cooked Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Nelumbo lutea American lotus North America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Oenanthe javanica water celery New Guinea, Asia** herb greens sun to part emergent floating aquatic to wet Oxyria digyna mountain sorrel Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic Perideridia gairdnerii yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic Petasites japonicus fuki Asia* giant herb leafstalks part to shade wet to mesic Phyllostachys spp. running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Physalis heterophylla clammy ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic Physalis longifolia longleaf groundcherry North America herb fruits sun mesic Physalis pruinosa ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic Phytolacca americana pokeweed North America* giant herb young shoots, cooked in three water changes sun to part mesic Polygonatum commutatum giant Solomon’s seal Eastern North America herb shoots, tubers sun to part mesic Rheum australe Himalayan rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rheum palmatum turkey rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rheum x cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rhus typhina staghorn sumac North America shrub shoots sun mesic Rumex acetosa French sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Rumex scutatus buckler-leaf sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead North America** herb tubers, shoots sun deep emergent aquatic Sasa kurilensis running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Scorzonera hispanica scorzonera Eurasia herb leaves, roots, broccolis sun mesic Semiarundinaria fastuosa running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Sium sisarum skirret Asia herb tubers sun to part wet to mesic Stachys sieboldii Chinese artichoke, crosnes Asia herb tubers sun wet to mesic Taraxacum officinale dandelion Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand spinach Australia herb greens sun dry to mesic Tilia spp. linden, lime, basswood Eurasia, North America tree greens sun to shade mesic Typha spp. cattail Worldwide** grasslike shoots, root shoots, root starch, flowerbuds, pollen sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Urtica dioica stinging nettle Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings Wolffia spp. water meal Worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic

COOL MARITIME: From San Francisco north to Vancouver and the Alaska panhandle is a narrow, highly populated coastal region. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–9, and Sunset Zones 5 and 17. Much of Britain is similar, as are some mild southern hemisphere regions including New Zealand. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic Allium cepa aggregatum multiplier onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium cernuum nodding wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Allium ursinum ramsons Eurasia herb whole plants part to shade wet to mesic Apios americana groundnut North America vine tubers, beans sun to part wet to mesic Apium prostratum filiforme wild celery Australia herb stalks sun wet to mesic Aralia cordata udo Asia giant herb shoots part shade mesic Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic Asphodeline lutea yellow asphodel Eurasia herb tubers sun mesic Atriplex halimus saltbush Mediterranean, North Africa shrub greens sun dry to mesic Berula erecta water parsnip North America, Eurasia** herb greens sun wet Beta vulgaris maritima sea beet Eurasia* herb greens sun mesic Brassica napus “Western Front” kale Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea wild cabbage Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea “Colocha” Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea acephala “Tree Collards” Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea alboglabra Gai Lon Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun mesic Brassica oleracea botrytis “9 Star” perennial broccoli Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun mesic Brassica oleracea ramosa branching bush kales, “Dorbentons” kale Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb greens, broccolis sun to part dry to mesic Camassia cusickii camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia leichtlinnii camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia quamash camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia scillioides camass Eastern North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Canna edulis achira, edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic Cedrella sinensis fragrant spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Chenopodium bonus-henricus good King Henry Eurasia herb greens, shoots, broccolis sun to part mesic Cichorium intybus chicory Eurasia* herb greens sun to part mesic Colocasia esculenta taro New Guinea, Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun dry to mesic Crambe maritima sea kale Eurasia herb greens, broccolis, roots sun dry to mesic Cynara cardunculus cardoon Eurasia* herb leafstalks sun dry to mesic Cynara scolymus globe artichoke Eurasia herb flowerbuds sun dry to mesic Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Hablitzia tamnoides Caucasian spinach Eurasia vine greens, shoots part shade dry to mesic Helianthus maximiliani Maximilan sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke Eastern North America giant herb tubers sun mesic Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowerbuds, flowers sun to part mesic Laportaea canadensis wood nettle Eastern North America herb greens part to shade mesic stings, must be cooked Levisticum officinale lovage Eurasia herb greens, shoots, leafstalks sun to part mesic Lomatium spp. biscuit root North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic Lycium chinense leaf goji Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny Malva moschata gumbo leaf mallow Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Marsdenia australis bush banana, Austral doubah Australia* vine pods, tubers, greens sun dry to mesic Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern Eurasia, North America fern shoots part to shade wet to mesic must be cooked Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Nelumbo lutea American lotus North America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Oenanthe javanica water celery New Guinea, Asia** herb greens sun to part emergent floating aquatic to wet Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Oxalis tuberosa oca Andes herb tubers sun mesic Oxyria digyna mountain sorrel Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic Perideridia gairdnerii yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic Petasites japonicus fuki Asia* giant herb leafstalks part to shade wet to mesic Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Phyllostachys spp. running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic Phytolacca americana pokeweed North America* giant herb young shoots, cooked in three water changes sun to part mesic Piper auritum root beer leaf, hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub greens, leafstalks sun to part mesic Polygonatum commutatum giant Solomon’s seal Eastern North America herb shoots, tubers sun to part mesic Rheum australe Himalayan rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rheum palmatum turkey rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rheum x cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rhus typhina staghorn sumac North America shrub shoots sun mesic Rumex acetosa French sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Rumex scutatus buckler-leaf sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead North America** herb tubers, shoots sun deep emergent aquatic Sagittaria sinensis Chinese arrowhead Asia** herb tubers sun deep emergent aquatic Sasa kurilensis running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Scorzonera hispanica scorzonera Eurasia herb leaves, roots, broccolis sun mesic Semiarundinaria fastuosa running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Sium sisarum skirret Asia herb tubers sun to part wet to mesic Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic Solanum tuberosum potato Andes herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked Stachys sieboldii Chinese artichoke, crosnes Asia herb tubers sun wet to mesic Taraxacum officinale dandelion Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand spinach Australia herb greens sun dry to mesic Tilia spp. linden, lime, basswood Eurasia, North America tree greens sun to shade mesic Tropaeolum tuberosum “Ken Aslett” mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic Typha spp. cattail Worldwide** grasslike shoots, root shoots, root starch, flowerbuds, pollen sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Urtica dioica stinging nettle Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

HOT AND HUMID: This warm band extends from east Texas through the coastal Carolinas. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–9 and Sunset Zones 26–28 and 31. This is not a tropical climate, though it features hot humid summers, winter temperatures drop below freezing, sometimes typical subtropical chilling and sometimes quite a bit colder. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Nots Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic Allium cepa aggregatum multiplier onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium cernuum nodding wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Apios americana groundnut North America vine tubers, beans sun to part wet to mesic Arundinaria gigantea river cane North America* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa showy & common milkweed North America herb shoots, flowerbuds, young leaves, pods sun dry to mesic Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb greens, broccolis sun to part dry to mesic Canna edulis achira, edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic Cedrella sinensis fragrant spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic Colocasia esculenta taro New Guinea, Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun dry to mesic Cynara scolymus globe artichoke Eurasia herb flowerbuds sun dry to mesic Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Asia, Africa, Australia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked, some forms toxic Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke Eastern North America giant herb tubers sun mesic Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowerbuds, flowers sun to part mesic Maranta arundinacea arrowroot Amazonia herb tubers sun mesic Moringa oleifera moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods, bark, tubers, seeds sun dry to mesic Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Nelumbo lutea American lotus North America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic Phytolacca americana pokeweed North America* giant herb young shoots, cooked in three water changes sun to part mesic Piper auritum root beer leaf, hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub greens, leafstalks sun to part mesic Psophocarpus tetragonobolus “Day Neutral” winged bean New Guinea, Asia vine beans, tubers, flowers, greens, pods sun mesic Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead North America** herb tubers, shoots sun deep emergent aquatic Sagittaria sinensis Chinese arrowhead Asia** herb tubers sun deep emergent aquatic Sechium edule chayote Mesoamerica* vine fruit, greens, tubers sun mesic Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic Typha spp. cattail Worldwide** grasslike shoots, root shoots, root starch, flowerbuds, pollen sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Urtica dioica stinging nettle Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings

ARID & HOT: This region covers the low and mid-elevation deserts and hot drylands of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southwestern California. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–10 and Sunset Zones 10, 12, 13, 29, and 30. These are subtropical deserts or somewhat colder. Large areas of Australia and Latin America are in this climate type. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Acacia holosericea, A. murrayana, A victoriae edible seed acacias Australia* tree dry beans sun dry spiny Agave parreyi, A. chrysantha, A. deserti, A. utahensis, A. palmeri hardy agaves Western North America succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic Cercidium microphyllum palo verde Western North America tree beans sun dry Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica dieback shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook Cnidoscolus palmeri bull nettle Mesoamerica herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla Western North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny Cymopteris spp. gamote Western North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic Moringa oleifera moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods, bark, tubers, seeds sun dry to mesic Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Phaseolus polysanthus cache bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun mesic Plectranthus esculentus Livingstone potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic Tylosema esculentum marama bean Africa vine beans, tuber sun dry Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

MILD MEDITERRANEAN: Southern and central California has a mild climate well suited to perennial vegetables. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–10 and Sunset Zones 7–9, 14, 15, 16, and 18–25. Much of Australia, southern South America, soutern Africa, and of course the Mediterranean are similar. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Abelmoschus esculentus perennial okra Africa shrub pods, seeds sun dry to mesic Acacia holosericea, A. murrayana, A victoriae edible seed acacias Australia* tree dry beans sun dry spiny Agave parreyi, A. chrysantha, A. deserti, A. utahensis, A. palmeri hardy agaves Western North America succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic Allium cepa aggregatum multiplier onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Apium prostratum filiforme wild celery Australia herb stalks sun wet to mesic Aponogeton distachios water hawthorn Africa** herb flowerbuds, greens sun emergent floating aquatic Aralia cordata udo Asia giant herb shoots part shade mesic Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic Asphodeline lutea yellow asphodel Eurasia herb tubers sun mesic Atriplex halimus saltbush Mediterranean, North Africa shrub greens sun dry to mesic Berula erecta water parsnip North America, Eurasia** herb greens sun wet Beta vulgaris maritima sea beet Eurasia* herb greens sun mesic Brassica napus “Western Front” kale Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea wild cabbage Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea “Colocha” Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea acephala “Tree Collards” Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea alboglabra Gai Lon Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun mesic Brassica oleracea botrytis “9 Star” perennial broccoli Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun mesic Brassica oleracea ramosa branching bush kales, “Dorbentons” kale Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb greens, broccolis sun to part dry to mesic Camassia cusickii camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia leichtlinnii camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Camassia quamash camass Western North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked Canna edulis achira, edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic Carica pentaloba babaco Andes tree fruit sun mesic Cedrella sinensis fragrant spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Chenopodium bonus-henricus good King Henry Eurasia herb greens, shoots, broccolis sun to part mesic Cichorium intybus chicory Eurasia* herb greens sun to part mesic Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook Colocasia esculenta taro New Guinea, Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb greens, broccolis sun dry to mesic Crambe maritima sea kale Eurasia herb greens, broccolis, roots sun dry to mesic Crotolaria longirostrata chipilin Mesoamerica* shrub greens sun mesic must be cooked Cucurbita ficifolia figleaf gourd, chilacayote Mesoamerica vine fruit, seeds sun mesic Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla Western North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny Cynara cardunculus cardoon Eurasia* herb leafstalks sun dry to mesic Cynara scolymus globe artichoke Eurasia herb flowerbuds sun dry to mesic Cyperus esculentus sativus chufa Africa, worldwide grasslike tubers sun wet to mesic sterile strain of global weed Dioscorea japonica jinenjo Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dioscorea trifida cush cush yam Amazonia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine beans, pods, flowers, greens, tubers sun dry to mesic Eleocharis dulcis water chestnut Asia** grasslike corms sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Ensete ventricosum enset Africa giant herb starchy trunk, tuber sun mesic Hablitzia tamnoides Caucasian spinach Eurasia vine greens, shoots part shade dry to mesic Helianthus maximiliani Maximilan sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke Eastern North America giant herb tubers sun mesic Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowerbuds, flowers sun to part mesic Hibiscus acetosella cranberry hibiscus Africa shrub greens sun mesic Ipomoea batatas sweet potato, boniato Amazonia herb tubers, greens sun to part mesic Levisticum officinale lovage Eurasia herb greens, shoots, leafstalks sun to part mesic Lycium chinense leaf goji Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny Malva moschata gumbo leaf mallow Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Marsdenia australis bush banana, Austral doubah Australia* vine pods, tubers, greens sun dry to mesic Moringa oleifera moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods, bark, tubers, seeds sun dry to mesic Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Nelumbo lutea American lotus North America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Oenanthe javanica water celery New Guinea, Asia** herb greens sun to part emergent floating aquatic to wet Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Oxalis tuberosa oca Andes herb tubers sun mesic Oxyria digyna mountain sorrel Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic Perideridia gairdnerii yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic Petasites japonicus fuki Asia* giant herb leafstalks part to shade wet to mesic Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Phaseolus polysanthus cache bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun mesic Phyllostachys spp. running bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic Physalis pruinosa ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic Piper auritum root beer leaf, hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub greens, leafstalks sun to part mesic Plectranthus esculentus Livingstone potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic Psophocarpus tetragonobolus “Day Neutral” winged bean New Guinea, Asia vine beans, tubers, flowers, greens, pods sun mesic Rheum australe Himalayan rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rheum palmatum turkey rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rheum x cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic Rumex acetosa French sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Rumex scutatus buckler-leaf sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic Scorzonera hispanica scorzonera Eurasia herb leaves, roots, broccolis sun mesic Sium sisarum skirret Asia herb tubers sun to part wet to mesic Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic Solanum muricatum pepino melon Andes herb fruits sun mesic Solanum tuberosum potato Andes herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked Solonostemon rotundifolius hausa potato Africa herb tubers sun mesic Stachys sieboldii Chinese artichoke, crosnes Asia herb tubers sun wet to mesic Taraxacum officinale dandelion Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand spinach Australia herb greens sun dry to mesic Tilia spp. linden, lime, basswood Eurasia, North America tree greens sun to shade mesic Tropaeolum tuberosum “Ken Aslett” mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic Tropaeolum tuberosum mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic Typha spp. cattail Worldwide** grasslike shoots, root shoots, root starch, flowerbuds, pollen sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Ullucus tuberosus ulluco Andes vine tuber, greens sun mesic Urtica dioica stinging nettle Eurasia, North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

LOWLAND MONSOON AND HUMID TROPICS: Lowland Hawaii and south Florida are proper tropical climates, completely free of frost all year. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 10–12 and Sunset Zone 25. This climate type could cover monsoon and humid tropical lowlands throughout the world. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Abelmoschus esculentus perennial okra Africa shrub pods, seeds sun dry to mesic Abelmoschus manihot edible hibiscus New Guinea shrub leaves sun mesic Adansonia digitata baobab Africa tree leaves, fruit, seeds sun dry to mesic Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Alocasia macrhorrhizos giant taro New Guinea, Australia, Asia, Pacific giant herb starchy trunk, leaves sun wet to mesic must be cooked Alternanthera sissoo sissoo spinach Amazonia herb greens part shade mesic Aponogeton distachios water hawthorn Africa** herb flowerbuds, greens sun emergent floating aquatic Aponogeton madagascarensis water yam Africa** herb tubers sun submerged aquatic Artocarpus altilis breadfruit New Guinea, Asia tree fruit, nuts sun mesic Artocarpus heterophylla jakfruit Asia tree young fruit as veg, fruit, nuts, greens sun mesic Bambusa spp. clumping bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Basella alba Malabar spinach Asia vine greens sun mesic Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic Canna edulis achira, edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic Carica papaya papaya Mesoamerica tree fruit sun mesic Ceratopteris thalyctroides water hornfern Asia** fern greens sun to shade submerged aquatic to wet Chamaedora tepijelote tepijelote Mesoamerica palm flowerbuds part to shade mesic Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook Cnidoscolus palmeri bull nettle Mesoamerica herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings Cnidoscolus stimulosus spurge nettle Eastern North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings Coccinia grandis ivy gourd, perennial cucumber Africa, Asia* vine greens, fruit sun mesic Colocasia esculenta taro New Guinea, Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla Western North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny Dendrocalamus spp. clumping bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Dioscorea alata white yam Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Asia, Africa, Australia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked, some forms toxic Dioscorea esculenta Asiatic lesser yam Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dioscorea trifida cush cush yam Amazonia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine beans, pods, flowers, greens, tubers sun dry to mesic Eleocharis dulcis water chestnut Asia** grasslike corms sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Euryale ferox gorgon plant Asia** giant herb sun deep emergent floating aquatic Gigantochloa spp. clumping bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Gnetum africanum African jointfir Africa woody vine greens shade ? Gnetum gnemon jointfir Asia tree greens, nuts part to shade mesic Gynura crepioides Okinawa spinach Asia herb greens sun to part mesic Hibiscus acetosella cranberry hibiscus Africa shrub greens sun mesic Ipomoea aquatica water spinach Asia** herb greens sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Ipomoea batatas sweet potato, boniato Amazonia herb tubers, greens sun to part mesic Lemna spp. duckweed Worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic Leucaena esculenta guaje Mesoamerica tree fresh beans sun dry to mesic Manihot esculenta cassava, yuca, manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic some forms require processing to remove cyanide Maranta arundinacea arrowroot Amazonia herb tubers sun mesic Momordica charantica bitter gourd Asia vine fruit sun mesic Moringa oleifera moringa Africa tree greens, pods, bark, tubers, seeds sun dry to mesic Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Musa x paradisica banana, plantain New Guinea, Asia giant herb fruits, flowerbud sun wet to mesic Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Nastus elatus clumping bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Piper auritum root beer leaf, hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub greens, leafstalks sun to part mesic Plectranthus esculentus Livingstone potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic Psophocarpus tetragonobolus “Day Neutral” winged bean New Guinea, Asia vine beans, tubers, flowers, greens, pods sun mesic Psophocarpus tetragonobolus winged bean New Guinea, Asia vine beans, tubers, flowers, greens, pods sun mesic Sagittaria sinensis Chinese arrowhead Asia** herb tubers sun deep emergent aquatic Sauropus androgynous katuk Asia shrub greens part to shade mesic Sechium edule chayote Mesoamerica* vine fruit, greens, tubers sun mesic Sesbania grandiflora hummingbird tree Asia * tree flowers sun dry to mesic Setaria palmifolia highlands pitpit New Guinea grass shoots sun mesic Solanum melongena eggplant Asia, Africa shrub fruits sun mesic must be cooked Solonostemon rotundifolius hausa potato Africa herb tubers sun mesic Sphenostylis stenocarpa African yambean Africa vine tubers, beans, pods sun dry to mesic Telfairia occidentalis fluted gourd Africa* vine greens, nuts sun mesic Trichostigma octandrum Haitian basket vine Mesoamerica, Amazonia, Florida, Caribbean shrub, vine greens sun to shade mesic Triglochin spp. Australian arrowgrass Australia** grasslike tubers sun shallow emergent aquatic Wolffia spp. water meal Worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic Xanthosoma brasiliense belembe, taioba Amazonia herb greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked Xanthosoma saggitifolium cocoyam Amazonia herb tubers sun wet to mesic must be cooked Xanthosoma violaceum violet-stem taro Amazonia herb greens sun wet to mesic must be cooked Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

LOWLAND ARID TROPICS: Proper lowland arid tropics are absent from the US and Canada but an important climate type worldwide in Asia, Africa, Latin America and parts of Australia. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Abelmoschus esculentus perennial okra Africa shrub pods, seeds sun dry to mesic Acacia holosericea, A. murrayana, A victoriae edible seed acacias Australia* tree dry beans sun dry spiny Adansonia digitata baobab Africa tree leaves, fruit, seeds sun dry to mesic Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic Cercidium microphyllum palo verde Western North America tree beans sun dry Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook Cnidoscolus palmeri bull nettle Mesoamerica herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings Cnidoscolus stimulosus spurge nettle Eastern North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla Western North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine beans, pods, flowers, greens, tubers sun dry to mesic Leucaena esculenta guaje Mesoamerica tree fresh beans sun dry to mesic Manihot esculenta cassava, yuca, manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic some forms require processing to remove cyanide Moringa oleifera moringa Africa tree greens, pods, bark, tubers, seeds sun dry to mesic Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Plectranthus esculentus Livingstone potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic Sesbania grandiflora hummingbird tree Asia * tree flowers sun dry to mesic Sphenostylis stenocarpa African yambean Africa vine tubers, beans, pods sun dry to mesic Tylosema esculentum marama bean Africa vine beans, tuber sun dry Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

TROPICAL HIGHLANDS – MONSOON TO HUMID: Within the United States and Canada, this region occurs only in Hawaii over although worldwide it is an important climate type. My definition is anything over 1500 meters elevation, including African, Latin American, New Guinean, and Asian highlands with sufficient moisture. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Alocasia macrhorrhizos giant taro New Guinea, Australia, Asia, Pacific giant herb starchy trunk, leaves sun wet to mesic must be cooked Arracacia xanthorhiza arracacha Andes herb tubers sun mesic Bambusa spp. clumping bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic Brassica oleracea “Colocha” Eurasia herb greens sun mesic Brassica oleracea acephala “Tree Collards” Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic Canna edulis achira, edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic Carica pentaloba babaco Andes tree fruit sun mesic Chamaedora tepijelote tepijelote Mesoamerica palm flowerbuds part to shade mesic Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook Coccinia grandis ivy gourd, perennial cucumber Africa, Asia* vine greens, fruit sun mesic Colocasia esculenta taro New Guinea, Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked Crotolaria longirostrata chipilin Mesoamerica* shrub greens sun mesic must be cooked Cucurbita ficifolia figleaf gourd, chilacayote Mesoamerica vine fruit, seeds sun mesic Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla Western North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny Dioscorea alata white yam Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Asia, Africa, Australia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked, some forms toxic Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine beans, pods, flowers, greens, tubers sun dry to mesic Eleocharis dulcis water chestnut Asia** grasslike corms sun shallow emergent aquatic to wet Ensete ventricosum enset Africa giant herb starchy trunk, tuber sun mesic Erythrina edulis chachafruto Andes tree beans sun mesic must be cooked Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke Eastern North America giant herb tubers sun mesic Hibiscus acetosella cranberry hibiscus Africa shrub greens sun mesic Ipomoea batatas sweet potato, boniato Amazonia herb tubers, greens sun to part mesic Lycium chinense leaf goji Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny Manihot esculenta cassava, yuca, manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic some forms require processing to remove cyanide Maranta arundinacea arrowroot Amazonia herb tubers sun mesic Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Musa x paradisica banana, plantain New Guinea, Asia giant herb fruits, flowerbud sun wet to mesic Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun emergent floating aquatic to wet Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun deep emergent aquatic Oenanthe javanica water celery New Guinea, Asia** herb greens sun to part emergent floating aquatic to wet Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Oxalis tuberosa oca Andes herb tubers sun mesic Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic Piper auritum root beer leaf, hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub greens, leafstalks sun to part mesic Psophocarpus tetragonobolus “Day Neutral” winged bean New Guinea, Asia vine beans, tubers, flowers, greens, pods sun mesic Psophocarpus tetragonobolus winged bean New Guinea, Asia vine beans, tubers, flowers, greens, pods sun mesic Rungia klossii rungia New Guinea herb greens sun mesic Sechium edule chayote Mesoamerica* vine fruit, greens, tubers sun mesic Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic Solanum melongena eggplant Asia, Africa shrub fruits sun mesic must be cooked Solanum tuberosum potato Andes herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked Sphenostylis stenocarpa African yambean Africa vine tubers, beans, pods sun dry to mesic Telfairia occidentalis fluted gourd Africa* vine greens, nuts sun mesic Tropaeolum tuberosum “Ken Aslett” mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic Tropaeolum tuberosum mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic Ullucus tuberosus ulluco Andes vine tuber, greens sun mesic Xanthosoma saggitifolium cocoyam Amazonia herb tubers sun wet to mesic must be cooked Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

TROPICAL HIGHLANDS – ARID: Arid highland over 1500 meters elevation,from Ethiopia tothe Mexican altiplano and beyond. Latin Name Common Name Origin Form Edible Parts Sun & Shade Moisture Notes Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb greens, flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla Western North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine beans, pods, flowers, greens, tubers sun dry to mesic Manihot esculenta cassava, yuca, manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic some forms require processing to remove cyanide Moringa stenopetala African moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, O. streptacantha nopale cactus, tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic Sphenostylis stenocarpa African yambean Africa vine tubers, beans, pods sun dry to mesic Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny