Apios Species, Traveler's Delight

This species is federally listed as "Threatened." Its rarity as compared to its far more common cousin, Apios americana, is due to its f...Read Morear more exacting requirements in terms of light exposure, soil, moisture, and ambient humidity. While difficult to find in the wild, the most vigorous specimens I've encountered in this region were succeeding in a heavy, somewhat moisture retentive, limey clay of circumneutral pH, topped with leaf litter, near a seep (consistent moisture), at the base of a north-facing slope or ravine, along the edge of a mixed hardwood forest. Consistent soil moisture is required, but at the same time it cannot withstand sitting in boggy situation. If conditions become unsuitable, young plants tend to go dormant (or worse) in the blink of an eye. Field observations indicate that plants with tops that reach direct sun exposure are more vigorous as compared to those shaded under a forest canopy. Seeds from self-pollinated plants may exhibit low viability These observations seem to collectively explain why this species is uncommon in nature and absent from commerce.

Most seeds germinate without much delay when soaked in water for 24-48hrs and subjected to 30 days of warm/cold oscillating temperatures in a consistently moist, moisture retentive medium. Stubborn seeds should not be discarded, but instead occasionally re-soaked for 24-48hrs in water, resewn, and kept at room temperature. Stubborn seeds can take a year or longer to germinate and will do so erratically. Some claim scarification by making a tiny nick in the seed coat improves germination, but I've had mixed results. Viable seed should give at least 80% eventual germination. Seedlings are vigorous, appreciate ample moisture and humidity, bright indirect lighting, and seek something to climb from the start. Newly germinated seedlings should be quickly transplanted into their final positions or a reasonably large pot, as even young seedlings appear to be distressed by root disturbance. Dormant tubers can be transplanted with careful handling, but avoid transplanting plants in active growth.

I would be interested in obtaining tubers or seeds of Apios Priceana if possible from anyone who can provide them. I grow groundnuts (Ap...Read Moreios Americana) in Maine/Massachussetts and if Apios Priceana could grow in those areas I would be very interested in trying to play some part in getting it re-established in any way possible

Being currently interested in Apios americana, I came across info that suggested that Apios priceana was a var./subspecies of this plant ...Read Morethat produced one "large" tuber instead of a string of smaller ones--hence, perhaps, the "Traveler's Delight" historic nomenclature--and that it was, perhaps, "endangered"...

...given the current interest in developing Apios americana as a viable, domesticated "food crop" perhaps renewed interest in Apios priceana would also be due...