Doodling with Dioscorea capsules

I blame the lack of sun for doodling with Dioscorea caucasica capsules recently (they were collected after a rainy day, otherwise when completely dry, they break easily).

‘Butterflies’ of Dioscorea caucasica capsules; notice the seeds still present in the top ones.  Each wing of the capsule contains 2 (or 1) seeds.

Dioscorea caucasica has established happily in the garden and is easy to germinate and grow.
Same goes for our only native species: Dioscorea villosa, which would happily climb on a tree trunk, dead or alive in a sun to part shade location.  Both species are in need of conservation and ‘propagation means conservation’ is our slogan.

After successfully growing D. caucasica, I can say that it is an easy to grow species. Sow the seeds in late fall outdoors, be patient, they will germinate quite late in the spring, but after that they will grow vigorously and you can plant the whole sowing pot by fall (or in the next spring) in the desired location. Good luck will make it to obtain both female and male plants in your little clump (the flowers are really insignificant, but the capsules are quite decorative).

It has rain quite a lot lately and I will mention other species that prefer wet places:
For those interested, there is a small amount of Symplocarpus foetidus seeds available (no international shipping).
Iris versicolor is also back in the inventory. And you can always throw in the mix a handful of Lobelia siphilitica and Lobelia cardinalis seeds.

Parnassia and Triantha have been in demand this fall, but there are still some seeds available.

Weather allowing, it is about the time to collect the hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) seeds….