Rough potato (Metaplexis japonica)

Family: Asclepiadaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Metaplexis japonica is a deciduous Climber growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Young fruits - raw or pickled. Root - cooked. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; Young fruits - raw or pickled.

Habitat & North American Range

Sunny slopes and thickets in hills and low mountains. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)