American Apios

A member of the legume family, apios owes its scientific name to a Greek word meaning pear, an allusion to the shape of its edible tubers, which are three times richer in protein than potatoes.

In fact, it is considered one of the most prized native edible plants in eastern North America. Not only did Native Americans consume the tubers, but the survival of early European settlers often depended on this plant when corn supplies ran out.

Apios is a vigorous climbing vine that can reach three meters in height and is particularly well-suited to fences. Its pinkish flowers, shaped like compact spikes, produce a delightful fragrance.

Source: Apios Awakens | La Presse