Hopniss Groundnut, Apios americana

Also called indian potato or potato bean, groundnut is a native member of the legume family and was traditionally used as a food source by Native Americans. It’s a perennial climbing vine that grows up to 16 ft long and produces attractive reddish-brown flower clusters. The plant forms edible tubers along its roots like beads on a string. This variety also produces edible beans, but they are not very prolific. Tubers take two years to reach a good size for harvest; small tubers can be left in the ground for next year’s growth.

The tubers are higher in protein than a potato and have more of a leguminous texture and a mild nutty flavor. Some people are allergic to groundnut, so be careful and only eat a small amount the first several times you try it in case you have a reaction.

Groundnut will grow in partial shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. It is an aggressive spreader.