A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables

Contents

Key to the Inventory 1

Extreme Cold 3
Cold Temperate 4
Cool Maritime 8
Hot and Humid 13
Arid and Hot 16
Mediterranean 17
Lowland Humid/Monsoon Tropics 23
Lowland Arid Tropics 27
Highland Humid/Monsoon Tropics 29
Highland Arid Tropics 32

Key to the Inventory

Perennial Vegetables Defined
The crops included in this global inventory all fit my definition of perennial vegetable: living three or more years,
used as a vegetable and not a novelty crop or culinary herb, and not destroyed by harvesting. Some of these root
crops are plant/replant perennials, meaning they are dug up for harvest but then some portion is replanted in the
same or another hole, keeping the plant alive to produce again the following year. By vegetable, I mean leaves, leaf-
stalks, shoots, flowers, flowerbuds (broccolis), tubers, corms, rhizomes, roots, pods, beans, and other above- or
below-ground parts that are eaten raw or cooked as a meal or side dish. In the case of fruits, I mean fruits that are
cooked and eaten as a meal or side dish (e.g., eggplant), not dessert fruits (e.g., strawberries).

Climate Zones
Climate zones are based on those given in Perennial Vegetables, which were developed for the United States and
Canada. I have added a few more climate types to make this a more global resource, though it is not a perfect fit
in every case. Species listed in a climate zone will be perennial in all or most of that zone. Woody plants listed as
“dieback” will be frost-killed but re-sprout to provide a legitimate harvest of some or all of their products (e.g.,
moringa will re-sprout and grow 15-20’, sometimes setting pods but always plenty of edible leaves.)

The Species
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the perennial vegetables in the world. However it includes the
most suitable species for the given climate zones that I know of. Some of the cold climate species I include are
more marginal, whereas tropical species are mainly the best candidates because there is a greater number of crops
are available in those climate zones. I’ve added about ninety crops not profiled in Perennial Vegetables for a total of
almost two hundred.

Region of Origin
Note that this is a global inventory of perennial vegetables. Always start with species native to your region and
build out from there. Some of these species are, or could become, serious weeds outside of their native range. A
single asterisk (*) in the “Origin” column indicates a terrestrial species that has or could naturalize aggressively.
A double asterisk (**) indicates aquatic species, which are particularly likely to naturalize and should be grown

1
with caution outside their native range. This is a global list, you may wish to avoid planting aggressively naturalizing spe-
cies that are not from your area. Even invasive weeds such as air potato are native somewhere (in this case, a huge area
from Africa to Australia), and should be taken advantage of at least in those areas.

Form
This describes the form of the plant, whether it be tree, cactus, herb, etc. There’s a lot more than herbaceous perennials
out there!

Edible Parts
This field describes what edible portion used as a vegetable, as well as any other edible uses it may have. Note that most
of these vegetables should be cooked. “Must be cooked” in the the notes indicates toxicity; those plants absolutely must
be cooked before eating.

Sun and Shade

This indicates a plant’s light preferences. One of the great things about perennial vegetables is that so many of them grow
well in shade.

Moisture
This field refers to moisture conditions most suitable to the plant including wet, mesic (medium), and dry. It also includes
aquatic plant niches, including emergent aquatics (the roots are under water, but the leaves emerge above the water surface,
whether deep or shallow), emergent floaters (similar to emergent aquatics, but the leaves float at the water surface and do
not extend beyond it), floating aquatics (plants in this niche float at the surface but are not rooted into soil below), and
submerged aquatics (completely underwater).

Notes
This column has information on nuisances like spines and stinging, as well as toxicity or other concerns.

2
EXTREME COLD: This region covers most of inland Canada as well as the northern United States and portions of Europe and Asia. It corresponds with USDA zones 1–3, and
Sunset Zones 1, 44, and 45. Note that heavy snow cover can provide excellent insulation in this zone, but the short season and lack of hot summers are serious limiting factors.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
nodding
Allium cernuum wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic

showy and shoots, flow-

common erbuds, young
Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa milkweed North America herb leaves, pods sun dry to mesic
Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
Maximilan
Helianthus maximiliani sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic
eastern
Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke North America giant herb tubers sun mesic
Lemna spp. duckweed worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic
Eurasia,
Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern North America fern shoots part to shade wet to mesic must be cooked

emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet
mountain Eurasia,
Oxyria digyna sorrel North America herb greens sun to part mesic
Perideridia gairdnerii yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic

Rheum × cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic
North deep
Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead America** herb tubers, shoots sun emergent aquatic

shoots, root
shoots, root
starch, flower- shallow emergent
Typha spp. cattail worldwide** grasslike buds, pollen sun aquatic to wet
Wolffia spp. water meal worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 3

COLD TEMPERATE: This is a large and highly populated region covering much the eastern and central United States, as well as much of the warmer parts of Canada. Much of
Europe and Asia, as some of temperate South America is in this climate type. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 4–7, and Sunset Zones 2–4, 6, 11, and 32–43.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic
multiplier
Allium cepa aggregatum onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic
Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
nodding
Allium cernuum wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
Allium tricoccum ramps North America herb whole plants part to shade wet to mesic
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
Apios americana groundnut North America vine tubers, beans sun to part wet to mesic
Aralia cordata udo Asia giant herb shoots part shade mesic
North
Arundinaria gigantea river cane America* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
shoots,
showy & flowerbuds,
common young leaves,
Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa milkweed North America herb pods sun dry to mesic
Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic
yellow
Asphodeline lutea asphodel Eurasia herb tubers sun mesic
Beta vulgaris maritima sea beet Eurasia* herb greens sun mesic
greens,
Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb broccolis sun to part dry to mesic
western
Camassia cusicki camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Camassia leichtlinii camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Camassia quamash camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
eastern
Camassia scillioides camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
fragrant
Cedrella sinensis spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 4

COLD TEMPERATE continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
good King greens, shoots,
Chenopodium bonus-henricus Henry Eurasia herb broccolis sun to part mesic
Cicorium intybus chicory Eurasia* herb greens sun to part mesic
greens,
Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb broccolis sun dry to mesic
greens,
broccolis,
Crambe maritima sea kale Eurasia herb roots sun dry to mesic
Dioscorea japonica jinenjo Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked

Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
Caucasian
Hablitzia tamnoides spinach Eurasia vine greens, shoots part shade dry to mesic
Maximilan
Helianthus maximiliani sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic
eastern
Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke North America giant herb tubers sun mesic
flowerbuds,
Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowers sun to part mesic
eastern
Laportea canadensis wood nettle North America herb greens part to shade mesic stings, must be cooked
Lemna spp. duckweed worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic
greens, shoots,
Levisticum officinale lovage Eurasia herb leafstalks sun to part mesic
Lomatium spp. biscuit root North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic
Lycium chinense leaf goji Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny
gumbo
Malva moschata leaf mallow Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
Eurasia,
Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern North America fern shoots part to shade wet to mesic must be cooked
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked

emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 5

COLD TEMPERATE continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
North deep emergent
Nelumbo lutea American lotus America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic
deep emergent
Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic

New Guinea, emergent floating

Oenanthe javanica water celery Asia** herb greens sun to part aquatic to wet
mountain Eurasia,
Oxyria digyna sorrel North America herb greens sun to part mesic
Perideridia gairdneri yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic
Petasites japonicus fuki Asia* giant herb leafstalks part to shade wet to mesic
running
Phyllostachys spp. bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
clammy
Physalis heterophylla ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic
longleaf
Physalis longifolia ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic
Physalis pruinosa ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic
young shoots,
cooked in
North three water
Phytolacca americana pokeweed America* giant herb changes sun to part mesic
giant Eastern North
Polygonatum commutatum Solomon’s seal America herb shoots, tubers sun to part mesic
Himalayan
Rheum australe rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic

Rheum palmatum turkey rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic

Rheum × cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic
staghorn
Rhus typhina sumac North America shrub shoots sun mesic
Rumex acetosa French sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
buckler-leaf
Rumex scutatus sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 6

COLD TEMPERATE continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
North deep emergent
Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead America** herb tubers, shoots sun aquatic
running
Sasa kurilensis bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
leaves, roots,
Scorzonera hispanica scorzonera Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic
running
Semiarundinaria fastuosa bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Sium sisarum skirret Asia herb tubers sun to part wet to mesic
Chinese
artichoke,
Stachys sieboldii crosnes Asia herb tubers sun wet to mesic
Taraxacum officinale dandelion Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
New Zealand
Tetragonia tetragonioides spinach Australia herb greens sun dry to mesic
linden, lime, Eurasia,
Tilia spp. basswood North America tree greens sun to shade mesic
shoots,
root shoots,
root starch,
flowerbuds, shallow emergent
Typha spp. cattail worldwide** grasslike pollen sun aquatic to wet
Eurasia,
Urtica dioica stinging nettle North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings
Wolffia spp. water meal worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 7

COOL MARITIME: From San Francisco north to Vancouver and the Alaska panhandle is a narrow, highly populated coastal region. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–9,
and Sunset Zones 5 and 17. Much of Britain is similar, as are some mild southern hemisphere regions including New Zealand.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic
multiplier
Allium cepa aggregatum onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic
Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
nodding
Allium cernuum wild onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
Allium ursinum ramsons Eurasia herb whole plants part to shade wet to mesic
Apios americana groundnut North America vine tubers, beans sun to part wet to mesic
Apium prostratum filiforme wild celery Australia herb stalks sun wet to mesic
Aralia cordata udo Asia giant herb shoots part shade mesic
Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic
yellow
Asphodeline lutea asphodel Eurasia herb tubers sun mesic
Mediterranean,
Atriplex halimus saltbush North Africa shrub greens sun dry to mesic
North America,
Berula erecta water parsnip Eurasia** herb greens sun wet
Beta vulgaris maritima sea beet Eurasia* herb greens sun mesic
“Western
Brassica napus front” Kale Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
Brassica oleracea wild cabbage Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
Brassica oleracea “Colocha” Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
greens,
Brassica oleracea alboglabra Gai Lon Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic
“9 Star”
perennial greens,
Brassica oleracea botrytis broccoli Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic
branching
bush kales,
“Dorbentons”
Brassica oleracea ramosa kale Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 8

COOL MARITIME continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
greens,
Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb broccolis sun to part dry to mesic
western
Camassia cusickii camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Camassia leichtlinii camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Camassia quamash camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
eastern
Camassia scillioides camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
achira,
Canna edulis edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic
fragrant
Cedrela sinensis spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic
Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
good greens, shoots,
Chenopodium bonus-henricus King Henry Eurasia herb broccolis sun to part mesic
Cicorium intybus chicory Eurasia* herb greens sun to part mesic
New Guinea,
Colocasia esculenta taro Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked
greens,
Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb broccolis sun dry to mesic
greens,
broccolis,
Crambe maritima sea kale Eurasia herb roots sun dry to mesic
Cynara cardunculus cardoon Eurasia* herb leafstalks sun dry to mesic
Cynara scolymus globe artichoke Eurasia herb flowerbuds sun dry to mesic
Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked

Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
Caucasian
Hablitzia tamnoides spinach Eurasia vine greens, shoots part shade dry to mesic
Maximilan
Helianthus maximiliani sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic
eastern
Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke North America giant herb tubers sun mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 9

COOL MARITIME continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
flowerbuds,
Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowers sun to part mesic
eastern North
Laportea canadensis wood nettle America herb greens part to shade mesic stings, must be cooked
greens, shoots,
Levisticum officinale lovage Eurasia herb leafstalks sun to part mesic
Lomatium spp. biscuit root North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic
leaf goji,
Lycium chinense wolfberry Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny
gumbo leaf
mallow,
Malva moschata muskmallow Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
bush banana, pods, tubers,
Marsdenia australis Austral doubah Australia* vine greens sun dry to mesic
Eurasia,
Matteuccia struthiopteris ostrich fern North America fern shoots part to shade wet to mesic must be cooked
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked

emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet
North deep emergent
Nelumbo lutea American lotus America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic
deep emergent
Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic

New Guinea, emergent floating

Oenanthe javanica water celery Asia** herb greens sun to part aquatic to wet
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny
Oxalis tuberosa oca Andes herb tubers sun mesic
mountain Eurasia,
Oxyria digyna sorrel North America herb greens sun to part mesic
Perideridia gairdneri yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic
Petasites japonicus fuki Asia* giant herb leafstalks part to shade wet to mesic
Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 10

COOL MARITIME continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
running
Phyllostachys spp. bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic
young shoots,
cooked in
North three water
Phytolacca americana pokeweed America* giant herb changes sun to part mesic
root beer leaf, greens,
Piper auritum hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub leafstalks sun to part mesic
giant eastern
Polygonatum commutatum Solomon’s seal North America herb shoots, tubers sun to part mesic
Himalayan
Rheum australe rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic

Rheum palmatum turkey rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic

Rheum × cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic
staghorn
Rhus typhina sumac North America shrub shoots sun mesic
Rumex acetosa French sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
buckler-leaf
Rumex scutatus sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
North deep emergent
Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead America** herb tubers, shoots sun aquatic
Chinese deep emergent
Sagittaria sinensis arrowhead Asia** herb tubers sun aquatic
running
Sasa kurilensis bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
leaves, roots,
Scorzonera hispanica scorzonera Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic
running
Semiarundinaria fastuosa bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Sium sisarum skirret Asia herb tubers sun to part wet to mesic
Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic
Solanum tuberosum potato Andes herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 11

COOL MARITIME continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade

Chinese arti-
Stachys sieboldii choke, crosnes Asia herb tubers sun wet to mesic
Taraxacum officinale dandelion Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
New Zealand
Tetragonia tetragonioides spinach Australia herb greens sun dry to mesic
linden, lime, Eurasia,
Tilia spp. basswood North America tree greens sun to shade mesic
“Ken Aslett”
Tropaeolum tuberosum mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic
shoots,
root shoots,
root starch,
flowerbuds, shallow emergent
Typha spp. cattail worldwide** grasslike pollen sun aquatic to wet
Eurasia,
Urtica dioica stinging nettle North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings
Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 12

HOT AND HUMID: This warm band extends from east Texas through the coastal Carolinas. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–9 and Sunset Zones 26–28 and 31. This
is not a tropical climate, though it features hot humid summers, winter temperatures drop below freezing, sometimes typical subtropical chilling, and sometimes quite a bit colder.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade

Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic
multiplier
Allium cepa aggregatum onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic

Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
nodding wild
Allium cernuum onion Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic

Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic

greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic

Apios americana groundnut North America vine tubers, beans sun to part wet to mesic
North
Arundinaria gigantea river cane America* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
shoots,
showy and flowerbuds,
common young leaves,
Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa milkweed North America herb pods sun dry to mesic

Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic

greens,
Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb broccolis sun to part dry to mesic
achira, edible
Canna edulis canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic
fragrant
Cedrela sinensis spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic
New Guinea,
Colocasia esculenta taro Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked
greens,
Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb broccolis sun dry to mesic

Cynara scolymus globe artichoke Eurasia herb flowerbuds sun dry to mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 13

HOT AND HUMID continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Asia, Africa, must be cooked,
Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Australia* vine tubers sun mesic some forms toxic

Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked

Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
eastern
Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke North America giant herb tubers sun mesic
flowerbuds,
Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowers sun to part mesic

Maranta arundinacea arrowroot Amazonia herb tubers sun mesic

greens, pods,
moringa, bark, tubers,
Moringa oleifera drumstick tree Africa dieback tree seeds sun dry to mesic
African
Moringa stenopetala moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic

Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked
emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet
North deep emergent
Nelumbo lutea American lotus America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic
deep emergent
Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny

Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic

Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic

young shoots,
cooked in
North three water
Phytolacca americana pokeweed America* giant herb changes sun to part mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 14

HOT AND HUMID continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
root beer leaf, greens,
Piper auritum hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub leafstalks sun to part mesic
beans,
tubers,
“Day Neutral” New Guinea, flowers,
Psophocarpus tetragonobolus winged bean Asia vine greens, pods sun mesic
North deep emergent
Sagittaria latifolia arrowhead America** herb tubers, shoots sun aquatic
Chinese deep emergent
Sagittaria sinensis arrowhead Asia** herb tubers sun aquatic
fruit, greens,
Sechium edule chayote Mesoamerica* vine tubers sun mesic

Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic

shoots, root
shoots, root
starch,
flowerbuds, shallow emergent
Typha spp. cattail worldwide** grasslike pollen sun aquatic to wet
Eurasia,
Urtica dioica stinging nettle North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 15

ARID & HOT: This region covers the low and mid-elevation deserts and hot drylands of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southwestern California. This region corresponds with USDA
Zones 8–10 and Sunset Zones 10, 12, 13, 29, and 30. These are subtropical deserts or somewhat colder. Large areas of Australia and Latin America are in this climate type.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Acacia holosericea, A. murray- edible
ana, A victoriae seed acacias Australia* tree dry beans sun dry spiny
Agave parreyi, A. chrysantha, A. western
deserti, A. utahensis, A. palmeri hardy agaves North America succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny
Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic
western
Cercidium microphyllum palo verde North America tree beans sun dry

Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica dieback shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook
Cnidoscolus palmeri bull nettle Mesoamerica herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings
western
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny
western
Cymopteris spp. gamote North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic
greens, pods,
moringa, bark, tubers,
Moringa oleifera drumstick tree Africa dieback tree seeds sun dry to mesic
African
Moringa stenopetala moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny
Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic
Phaseolus polyanthus cache bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun mesic
Livingstone
Plectranthus esculentus potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic
Tylosema esculentum marama bean Africa vine beans, tuber sun dry
Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 16

MEDITERRANEAN: Southern and central California has a mild climate well suited to perennial vegetables. This region corresponds with USDA Zones 8–10 and Sunset Zones
7–9, 14, 15, 16, and 18–25. Much of Australia, southern South America, soutern Africa, and of course the Mediterranean are similar.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Abelmoschus esculentus perennial okra Africa shrub pods, seeds sun dry to mesic
Acacia holosericea, edible
A. murrayana, A victoriae seed acacias Australia* tree dry beans sun dry spiny
Agave parreyi, A. chrysantha, A. western
deserti, A. utahensis, A. palmeri hardy agaves North America succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny
Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny
Allium ampeloprasum perennial leek Eurasia herb whole plants sun mesic
multiplier
Allium cepa aggregatum onion Eurasia herb bulbs sun mesic
Allium cepa proliferum walking onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
Apium prostratum filiforme wild celery Australia herb stalks sun wet to mesic

water flowerbuds, emergent floating

Aponogeton distachios hawthorn Africa** herb greens sun aquatic

Aralia cordata udo Asia giant herb shoots part shade mesic
Asparagus officinalis asparagus Eurasia herb shoots sun mesic
yellow
Asphodeline lutea asphodel Eurasia herb tubers sun mesic
Mediterranean,
Atriplex halimus saltbush North Africa shrub greens sun dry to mesic
North America,
Berula erecta water parsnip Eurasia** herb greens sun wet
Beta vulgaris maritima sea beet Eurasia* herb greens sun mesic
“Western
Brassica napus Front” kale Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
Brassica oleracea wild cabbage Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
Brassica oleracea “Colocha” Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
greens,
Brassica oleracea alboglabra Gai Lon Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 17

MEDITERRANEAN continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade

“9 Star” peren- greens,

Brassica oleracea botrytis nial broccoli Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic
branching
bush kales,
“Dorbentons”
Brassica oleracea ramosa kale Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic
greens,
Bunias orientalis Turkish rocket Eurasia* herb broccolis sun to part dry to mesic
western
Camassia cusickii camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Camassia leichtlinnii camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Camassia quamash camass North America herb bulbs sun wet to mesic must be cooked
achira,
Canna edulis edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic
Carica pentagona babaco Andes tree fruit sun mesic
fragrant
Cedrela sinensis spring tree Asia tree greens sun mesic

Centranthus ruber red valerian Eurasia herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
good King greens, shoots,
Chenopodium bonus-henricus Henry Eurasia herb broccolis sun to part mesic

Cicorium intybus chicory Eurasia* herb greens sun to part mesic

Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook
New Guinea,
Colocasia esculenta taro Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked
greens,
Crambe cordifolia colewort Eurasia herb broccolis sun dry to mesic
greens, roots,
Crambe maritima sea kale Eurasia herb broccolis sun dry to mesic

Crotolaria longirostrata chipilin Mesoamerica* shrub greens sun mesic must be cooked

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 18

MEDITERRANEAN continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
figleaf gourd,
Cucurbita ficifolia chilacayote Mesoamerica vine fruit, seeds sun mesic
western
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny
Cynara cardunculus cardoon Eurasia* herb leafstalks sun dry to mesic
Cynara scolymus globe artichoke Eurasia herb flowerbuds sun dry to mesic
Africa, sterile strain of
Cyperus esculentus var. sativus chufa worldwide grasslike tubers sun wet to mesic global weed
Dioscorea japonica jinenjo Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Dioscorea opposita Chinese yam Asia* vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Dioscorea trifida cush cush yam Amazonia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked

Diplotaxis muralis, D. tenuifolia sylvetta arugula Mediterranean* shrub, herb greens sun to part dry to mesic
beans, pods,
flowers,
Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine greens, tubers sun dry to mesic

shallow emergent
Eleocharis dulcis water chestnut Asia** grasslike corms sun aquatic to wet
starchy trunk,
Ensete ventricosum enset Africa giant herb tuber sun mesic
Caucasian
Hablitzia tamnoides spinach Eurasia vine greens, shoots part shade dry to mesic
Maximilan
Helianthus maximiliani sunflower North America giant herb shoots, seeds sun dry to mesic
eastern
Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke North America giant herb tubers sun mesic
flowerbuds,
Hemerocallis spp. daylily Asia herb flowers sun to part mesic
cranberry
Hibiscus acetosella hibiscus Africa shrub greens sun mesic
sweet potato,
Ipomoea batatas boniato Amazonia herb tubers, greens sun to part mesic
greens, shoots,
Levisticum officinale lovage Eurasia herb leafstalks sun to part mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 19

MEDITERRANEAN continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
leaf goji,
Lycium chinense wolfberry Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny
gumbo leaf
mallow,
Malva moschata musk mallow Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
bush banana, pods, tubers,
Marsdenia australis Austral doubah Australia* vine greens sun dry to mesic
greens, pods,
moringa, bark, tubers,
Moringa oleifera drumstick tree Africa dieback tree seeds sun dry to mesic
African
Moringa stenopetala moringa Africa dieback tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked

emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet
North deep emergent
Nelumbo lutea American lotus America** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic
deep emergent
Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic

New Guinea, emergent floating

Oenanthe javanica water celery Asia** herb greens sun to part aquatic to wet
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny
Oxalis tuberosa oca Andes herb tubers sun mesic
mountain Eurasia,
Oxyria digyna sorrel North America herb greens sun to part mesic
Perideridia gairdneri yampah North America herb tubers sun wet to mesic
Petasites japonicus fuki Asia* giant herb leafstalks part to shade wet to mesic
Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic
Phaseolus polyanthus cache bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun mesic
running
Phyllostachys spp. bamboo Asia* bamboo shoots sun to part mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 20

MEDITERRANEAN continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic
Physalis pruinosa ground cherry North America herb fruits sun mesic
root beer leaf, greens,
Piper auritum hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub leafstalks sun to part mesic
Livingstone
Plectranthus esculentus potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic
beans,
tubers,
“Day Neutral” New Guinea, flowers,
Psophocarpus tetragonobolus winged bean Asia vine greens, pods sun mesic
Himalayan
Rheum australe rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic

Rheum palmatum turkey rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic

Rheum × cultorum rhubarb Eurasia herb leafstalks sun mesic leaves and roots toxic
Rumex acetosa French sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
buckler-leaf
Rumex scutatus sorrel Eurasia herb greens sun to part mesic
leaves, roots,
Scorzonera hispanica scorzonera Eurasia herb broccolis sun mesic
Sium sisarum skirret Asia herb tubers sun to part wet to mesic
Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic
Solanum muricatum pepino melon Andes herb fruits sun mesic
Solanum tuberosum potato Andes herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Solonostemon rotundifolius hausa potato Africa herb tubers sun mesic

Chinese arti-
Stachys sieboldii choke, crosnes Asia herb tubers sun wet to mesic
Taraxacum officinale dandelion Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
New Zealand
Tetragonia tetragonioides spinach Australia herb greens sun dry to mesic
linden, lime, Eurasia,
Tilia spp. basswood North America tree greens sun to shade mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 21

MEDITERRANEAN continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Tropaeolum tuberosum mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic

shoots, root
shoots, root
starch, flower- shallow emergent
Typha spp. cattail worldwide** grasslike buds, pollen sun aquatic to wet
Ullucus tuberosus ulluco Andes vine tuber, greens sun mesic
Eurasia,
Urtica dioica stinging nettle North America herb greens sun to part mesic stings
Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 22

LOWLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS: Lowland Hawaii and south Florida are proper tropical climates, completely free of frost all year. This region corre-
sponds with USDA Zones 10–12 and Sunset Zone 25. This climate type could cover monsoon and humid tropical lowlands throughout the world.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Abelmoschus esculentus perennial okra Africa shrub pods, seeds sun dry to mesic
Abelmoschus manihot edible hibiscus New Guinea shrub leaves sun mesic
leaves, fruit,
Adansonia digitata baobab Africa tree seeds sun dry to mesic
Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny
Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
New Guinea,
Australia, Asia, starchy trunk,
Alocasia macrhorrhizos giant taro Pacific giant herb leaves sun wet to mesic must be cooked
Alternanthera sissoo sissoo spinach Amazonia herb greens part shade mesic
water haw- flowerbuds, emergent floating
Aponogeton distachyos thorn Africa** herb greens sun aquatic

Aponogeton madagascarensis water yam Africa** herb tubers sun submerged aquatic
New Guinea,
Artocarpus altilis breadfruit Asia tree fruit, nuts sun mesic
young fruit as
veg, fruit, nuts,
Artocarpus heterophyllus jakfruit Asia tree greens sun mesic
clumping
Bambusa spp. bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Malabar
Basella alba spinach Asia vine greens sun mesic
Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic
achira,
Canna edulis edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic
Carica papaya papaya Mesoamerica tree fruit sun mesic
submerged aquatic
Ceratopteris thalictroides water hornfern Asia** fern greens sun to shade to wet
Chamaedora tepejilote tepijelote Mesoamerica palm flowerbuds part to shade mesic

Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook
Cnidoscolus palmeri bull nettle Mesoamerica herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 23

LOWLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
eastern
Cnidoscolus stimulosus spurge nettle North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings
ivy gourd,
perennial
Coccinia grandis cucumber Africa, Asia* vine greens, fruit sun mesic
New Guinea,
Colocasia esculenta taro Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked
western
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny
clumping
Dendrocalamus spp. bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Dioscorea alata white yam Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Asia, Africa, must be cooked,
Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Australia* vine tubers sun mesic some forms toxic
Asiatic lesser
Dioscorea esculenta yam Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Dioscorea trifida cush cush yam Amazonia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
beans, pods,
flowers,
Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine greens, tubers sun dry to mesic

shallow emergent
Eleocharis dulcis water chestnut Asia** grasslike corms sun aquatic to wet
deep emergent
Euryale ferox gorgon plant Asia** giant herb sun floating aquatic
clumping
Gigantochloa spp. bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Eru,
Gnetum africanum African jointfir Africa vine greens part to shade mesic
Gnetum gnemon jointfir Asia tree greens, nuts part to shade mesic
Okinawa
Gynura crepioides spinach Asia herb greens sun to part mesic
cranberry
Hibiscus acetosella hibiscus Africa shrub greens sun mesic

emergent floating
Ipomoea aquatica water spinach Asia** herb greens sun aquatic to wet

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 24

LOWLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
sweet potato,
Ipomoea batatas boniato Amazonia herb tubers, greens sun to part mesic
Lemna spp. duckweed worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic
Leucaena esculenta guaje Mesoamerica tree fresh beans sun dry to mesic

some forms require

cassava, processing to
Manihot esculenta yuca, manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic remove cyanide
Maranta arundinacea arrowroot Amazonia herb tubers sun mesic
Momordica charantia bitter gourd Asia vine fruit sun mesic
greens, pods,
moringa, bark, tubers,
Moringa oleifera drumstick tree Africa tree seeds sun dry to mesic
African
Moringa stenopetala moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked
banana, New Guinea, fruits,
Musa × paradisica plantain Asia giant herb flowerbud sun wet to mesic

emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet
clumping
Nastus elatus bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
deep emergent
Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic
root beer leaf, greens,
Piper auritum hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub leafstalks sun to part mesic
Livingstone
Plectranthus esculentus potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic
beans,
tubers, flow-
“Day Neutral” New Guinea, ers, greens,
Psophocarpus tetragonobolus winged bean Asia vine pods sun mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 25

LOWLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Chinese deep emergent
Sagittaria sinensis arrowhead Asia** herb tubers sun aquatic

Sauropus androgynous katuk Asia shrub greens part to shade mesic

fruit, greens,
Sechium edule chayote Mesoamerica* vine tubers sun mesic
hummingbird
Sesbania grandiflora tree Asia * tree flowers sun dry to mesic

Setaria palmifolia highlands pitpit New Guinea grass shoots sun mesic
Solanum melongena eggplant Asia, Africa shrub fruits sun mesic
Solonostemon rotundifolius hausa potato Africa herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked
African tubers, beans,
Sphenostylis stenocarpa yambean Africa vine pods sun dry to mesic

Telfairia occidentalis fluted gourd Africa* vine greens, nuts sun mesic
Mesoamerica,
Amazonia,
Haitian Florida,
Trichostigma octandrum basket vine Caribbean shrub, vine greens sun to shade mesic

Australian shallow emergent

Triglochin spp. arrowgrass Australia** grasslike tubers sun aquatic

Wolffia spp. water meal worldwide** microherb greens sun floating aquatic
belembe,
Xanthosoma brasiliense taioba Amazonia herb greens sun to part wet to mesic

Xanthosoma saggitifolium cocoyam Amazonia herb tubers sun wet to mesic must be cooked
violet-stem
Xanthosoma violaceum taro Amazonia herb greens sun wet to mesic must be cooked

Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic must be cooked

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 26

LOWLAND ARID TROPICS: Proper lowland arid tropics are absent from the United States and Canada but an important climate type worldwide in Asia, Africa, Latin
America, and parts of Australia.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Abelmoschus esculentus perennial okra Africa shrub pods, seeds sun dry to mesic
Acacia holosericea, edible seed
A. murrayana, A victoriae acacias Australia* tree dry beans sun dry spiny
leaves, fruit,
Adansonia digitata baobab Africa tree seeds sun dry to mesic
Agave salmiana, A. tequilana tropical agaves Mesoamerica succulent hearts sun dry to mesic spiny
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic
western
Cercidium microphyllum palo verde North America tree beans sun dry

Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook
Cnidoscolus palmeri bull nettle Mesoamerica herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings
eastern
Cnidoscolus stimulosus spurge nettle North America herb tubers sun dry to mesic stings
western
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny
beans, pods,
flowers,
Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine greens, tubers sun dry to mesic
Leucaena esculenta guaje Mesoamerica tree fresh beans sun dry to mesic

some forms require

cassava, yuca, processing to
Manihot esculenta manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic remove cyanide
greens, pods,
moringa, bark, tubers,
Moringa oleifera drumstick tree Africa tree seeds sun dry to mesic
African
Moringa stenopetala moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 27

LOWLAND ARID TROPICS continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic
Livingstone
Plectranthus esculentus potato Africa herb tubers sun dry to mesic
hummingbird
Sesbania grandiflora tree Asia * tree flowers sun dry to mesic
African tubers, beans,
Sphenostylis stenocarpa yambean Africa vine pods sun dry to mesic
Tylosema esculentum marama bean Africa vine beans, tuber sun dry
Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 28

HIGHLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS: Within the United States and Canada, this region occurs only in Hawaii although worldwide it is an important
climate type. My definition is anything over 1,500 meters elevation, including African, Latin American, New Guinean, and Asian highlands with sufficient moisture.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Allium fistulosum Welsh onion Eurasia herb scallions sun mesic
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
New Guinea,
Australia, Asia, starchy trunk,
Alocasia macrhorrhizos giant taro Pacific giant herb leaves sun wet to mesic must be cooked
Arracacia xanthorhiza arracacha Andes herb tubers sun mesic
clumping
Bambusa spp. bamboo Asia bamboo shoots sun to part mesic
Brassica oleracea “Colocha” Eurasia herb greens sun mesic
“Tree
Brassica oleracea acephala Collards” Eurasia shrub greens sun mesic
Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic
achira,
Canna edulis edible canna Andes giant herb tubers, shoots sun to part wet to mesic
Carica pentaloba babaco Andes tree fruit sun mesic
Chamaedora tepijelote tepijelote Mesoamerica palm flowerbuds part to shade mesic

Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook
ivy gourd,
perennial
Coccinia grandis cucumber Africa, Asia* vine greens, fruit sun mesic
New Guinea,
Colocasia esculenta taro Asia herb tubers, greens sun to part wet to mesic must be cooked
Crotolaria longirostrata chipilin Mesoamerica* shrub greens sun mesic must be cooked
figleaf gourd,
Cucurbita ficifolia chilacayote Mesoamerica vine fruit, seeds sun mesic
western
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny
Dioscorea alata white yam Asia vine tubers sun mesic must be cooked
Asia, Africa, must be cooked,
Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Australia* vine tubers sun mesic some forms toxic
beans, pods,
flowers,
Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine greens, tubers sun dry to mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 29

HIGHLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade

shallow emergent
Eleocharis dulcis water chestnut Asia** grasslike corms sun aquatic to wet
starchy trunk,
Ensete ventricosum enset Africa giant herb tuber sun mesic
Erythrina edulis chachafruto Andes tree beans sun mesic must be cooked
Eastern North
Helianthus tuberosus sunchoke America giant herb tubers sun mesic
cranberry
Hibiscus acetosella hibiscus Africa shrub greens sun mesic
sweet potato,
Ipomoea batatas boniato Amazonia herb tubers, greens sun to part mesic
leaf goji
Lycium chinense wolfberry Asia shrub greens, fruits sun to part mesic spiny

some forms require

cassava, yuca, processing to
Manihot esculenta manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic remove cyanide
Maranta arundinacea arrowroot Amazonia herb tubers sun mesic
African
Moringa stenopetala moringa Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked
banana, New Guinea, fruits,
Musa × paradisica plantain Asia giant herb flowerbud sun wet to mesic

emergent floating
Nasturtium officinale watercress Eurasia** giant herb leaves sun aquatic to wet
deep emergent
Nelumbo nucifera Chinese lotus Eurasia** giant herb tubers, seeds sun aquatic

New Guinea, emergent floating

Oenanthe javanica water celery Asia** herb greens sun to part aquatic to wet
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny
Oxalis tuberosa oca Andes herb tubers sun mesic
Phaseolus coccineus runner bean Mesoamerica vine beans, pods sun mesic

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 30

HIGHLAND HUMID/MONSOON TROPICS continued
Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic
Physalis peruviana goldenberry Andes herb fruits sun mesic
root beer leaf, greens,
Piper auritum hoja santa Mesoamerica* shrub leafstalks sun to part mesic
beans,
tubers,
“Day Neutral” New Guinea, flowers,
Psophocarpus tetragonobolus winged bean Asia vine greens, pods sun mesic
Rungia klossii rungia New Guinea herb greens sun mesic
fruit, greens,
Sechium edule chayote Mesoamerica* vine tubers sun mesic
Smallianthus sonchifolia yacon Andes herb tubers sun mesic
Solanum melongena eggplant Asia, Africa shrub fruits sun mesic must be cooked
Solanum tuberosum potato Andes herb tubers sun mesic must be cooked
African tubers, beans,
Sphenostylis stenocarpa yambean Africa vine pods sun dry to mesic
Telfairia occidentalis fluted gourd Africa* vine greens, nuts sun mesic
“Ken Aslett”
Tropaeolum tuberosum mashua Andes vine tubers, greens sun mesic
Ullucus tuberosus ulluco Andes vine tuber, greens sun mesic
Xanthosoma saggitifolium cocoyam Amazonia herb tubers sun wet to mesic must be cooked
Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 31

HIGHLAND ARID TROPICS : Arid highland over 1,500 meters elevation, from Ethiopia to the Mexican altiplano and beyond.

Latin Name Common Origin Form Edible Sun & Moisture Notes
Name Parts Shade
greens,
Allium tuberosum garlic chives Asia herb flowerbuds sun to part dry to mesic
Cajanus cajan pigeon pea Asia shrub beans, pods sun dry to mesic

Cnidoscolus chayamansa chaya Mesoamerica shrub greens sun dry to mesic cyanide: must cook
western
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa cholla North America cactus flowerbuds sun dry to mesic extremely spiny
beans, pods,
flowers,
Dolichos lablab lablab bean Africa vine greens, tubers sun dry to mesic

some forms require

cassava, yuca, processing to
Manihot esculenta manioc Amazonia shrub sun dry to mesic remove cyanide
African mor-
Moringa stenopetala inga Africa tree greens, pods sun dry to mesic
Morus alba mulberry Asia* tree greens, fruit sun to part dry to mesic must be cooked
Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, nopale cactus,
O. streptacantha tuna Mesoamerica* cactus pads, fruit sun dry to mesic spiny
Phaseolus lunatus lima bean Mesoamerica vine beans sun dry to mesic
African tubers, beans,
Sphenostylis stenocarpa yambean Africa vine pods sun dry to mesic
Yucca guatemalensis izote Mesoamerica succulent flowerbuds sun dry to mesic spiny

A Global Inventory of Perennial Vegetables 32