Desert Yam

Botanical Name: Ipomoea costata
Common Names: Rock Morning Glory, Bush Potato, Desert Yam

Ipomoea costata is a hardy native Australian tuberous vine that thrives in Perth’s climate.

Known as the Bush Potato, this unique plant produces edible underground tubers alongside vibrant pink to purple trumpet-shaped flowers. It’s ideal for backyard growers who want something native, drought-tolerant, and resilient for dry or sandy gardens.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 1-3m (scrambling shrub or climber)

pH growing conditions: 6.0 to 7.5

Shade or full sun: Prefers full sun to light shade in Perth Metro

Minimum pot year 5: 40L+ pot (deep pot recommended for tuber development)

Time to fruit age: Tubers typically develop within 1-2 years; flowers appear seasonally after warm rains.

Rock Morning Glory is fast-growing during warm weather and dies back to its underground tuber during cooler or drier periods before reshooting. It features thick, heart-shaped to oval leaves and striking funnel-shaped pink flowers. Extremely drought-tolerant once established, it loves Perth’s warm summers and well-draining sandy soils, making it easy to grow in deep pots or directly in the ground.

Interesting Notes:
Ipomoea costata is a traditional bush tucker plant across arid and semi-arid Australia, prized for its large, starchy tubers that can be roasted or cooked like potatoes. It is also a magnet for native bees and pollinators when in bloom.

The young leaves are edible. Like regular sweet potato greens (Ipomoea batatas), the tender new shoots and leaves of Ipomoea costata can be cooked and eaten like spinach.

Best way to eat: Lightly steamed, sautéed, or braised—they soften up nicely and lose any slight bitterness when cooked.

Pick young: Older leaves get quite thick and leathery to help the plant hold moisture in arid climates, so stick to the fresh, tender growth tips.

Note on seeds: Avoid eating the seeds, as many Ipomoea species contain alkaloids in their seeds that are toxic. Stick strictly to the tubers and young leaves.

A rare native addition for bush tucker enthusiasts and waterwise Perth gardens.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Ipomoea costata, Bush Potato, Rock Morning Glory, native bush tucker Perth, drought tolerant plant, rare native plant