Dioscorea bryoniifolia BARBASCO (5 seeds)

Barbasco, also known as Camisilla or by its scientific name Dioscorea bryoniifolia, is a Chilean climbing plant found in South America. It is a perennial member of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is fast-growing and can reach up to 3 meters in height within just a few months.

This Dioscorea features dense foliage consisting of alternate, trilobed leaves. They are thick, dark green, and have a waxy, even shiny texture.

The flowers are small, grouped in inflorescences, and greenish in color with a delicate and discreet structure. Flowering occurs from late summer through autumn.

Its fruits are capsules or spherical berries; upon ripening, they turn brown and split open to release winged or flattened seeds, facilitating wind dispersal.

Camisilla seeds are brown and elongated.

- Uses:

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The ideal period to sow Barbasco seeds begins in May.
• Sow the seeds in a pre-moistened peat pot.
• Cover them with only 2 to 3 millimeters of substrate.
• Gently tamp down the soil.
• Water manually using a spray bottle.
• Finally, place the pot in a location with a temperature of at least 25°C.
• Germination typically begins within 4 to 6 weeks.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It thrives in a sandy substrate rich in humus and organic matter.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This tuberous plant requires a lightly shaded exposure. Filtered, indirect light for several hours a day promotes optimal development.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

Native to warm regions, it prefers temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It is frost-sensitive and must be protected or grown in non-hardy zones, as it does not tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

- Irrigation / Water Needs:

This Dioscorea requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between applications. Regular watering during active growth is beneficial.

- Multiplication / Propagation:

Propagation is mainly carried out by seeds, tuber division, or stem cuttings. Tuber division is the most common method, allowing for the rapid production of new plants.