Desert Yam

The Desert Yam, also known as Rock Morning Glory, is a perennial plant that is a is a master of adaptation. Found across the dry interior regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and parts of South Australia, it has evolved to endure extreme heat, sporadic rainfall, and nutrient-poor soils. Its silvery-green leaves, thick and fleshy to conserve moisture, form a low-growing mat that hugs the ground, creating a textural contrast in garden beds or rockeries.

But the real showstopper arrives in the warmer months, when large, trumpet-shaped flowers emerge. These blooms, often pinky-white with a subtle darker pink throat, unfurl in the cool of the morning and retreat by midday—a clever dance to avoid the harsh sun. After flowering, it produces woody seed pods that blend discreetly into the landscape, ensuring its persistence through dry spells. For those aiming to create a water-wise garden or restore a patch of land with native flora, the Desert Yam is a practical choice.

This fast-growing creeper and can send out long tendrils that stretch up to 3 meters. These tendrils will also scale shrubs and trees to several meters in height, so care is needed when choosing its growing location. As Bush Tucker, the Desert Yam is sweet and juicy and is delicious when sliced and fried, roasted or baked. It can also be eaten raw.

Three types of tuber can be found under the one bush. The first is found on the long runners which occasionally send down roots, but usually only in good seasons. The second type of tuber is produced on the parent’s lateral roots – up to 3 m from the plant base. The third type is found directly below the mature plant. These can be hard and woody because of their age.

Traditional uses/preparation: When eaten fresh like an apple, the white flesh is firm, juicy and slightly sweet very much like the Jicama from Mexico. Roasted whole in the ashes of a fire and eaten hot they taste very similar to the common sweet potato.

In cultivation, its versatility shines. Whether sprawling across a rocky garden, softening the edges of a gravel path, or adding contrast to succulent arrangements, this plant requires little beyond a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Its sprawling habit makes it ideal for erosion control on slopes, while its salt tolerance opens possibilities for coastal gardens.