Sinomenium acutum

Sinomenium acutum is a deciduous climber growing to 6 m.

Siphonchilus sp.

Siphonochilus is a genus of plants native to sub-Saharan Africa.

This genus usually goes dormant from November-May.

See Article about African gingers by John Banta.

Siphonodon celastrineus, Xanthophyllum subglobosum

Sisyrinchium sp.

Sisyrinchium can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials forming a clump of narrowly sword-shaped leaves with star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers.

Skimmia sp.

Skimmia is a shrub for year round interest with its handsome, glossy foliage that blends well with other shade-tolerant plants and fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by luscious red berries in winter. It is perfect for growing in containers and provides good all year round color.

Sloanea sp.

Smallanthus sonchifolius, Polymnia sonchifolia

Yacon is one of the most extraordinary plants of the Andes. This spectacular plant is related to the sunflower & grows very similarly. It is also called "Pear of the Earth" because it's tubers are a delicious flavor that resembles a blend of watermelon, apple, and pear. It is very juicy and crisp and can be eaten raw or cooked. Highly recommended, fun to grow for a fall harvest.

Yacon is an unusual vegetable eaten for over 1,500 years in the Andes mountains, but virtually unknown elsewhere. This delicious root is surprisingly sweet, and is also very juicy and crisp. It's sort of like eating a water chestnut that is almost as sweet as an apple or melon. Yacon contains a low-calorie sugar substitute that makes it perfect for weight loss plans or low-sugar diets. The plants are high-yielding and easy to grow. You're not likely to find this rare veggie in markets, but now you can grow your own supply at home!

The plant forms two kinds of roots: large storage tubers (the parts that are eaten), and central "eyes", from which the plant may be propagated. Yacon grows about 4 to 6 feet tall, with oversized, fuzzy leaves that are triangular in shape. It's an attractive, exotic-looking plant that is worth growing just for the foliage! When the leaves die back in late fall or winter, the tubers are ready for harvesting. They average 5 to 10 ounces each, and are about 90% water, which gives them their juiciness. Some people prefer eating them fresh, by simply peeling them and eating them like an apple. You may also bake them or add them to soups or salads.

Yacon comes from a mild climate, with nights that are cool. It prefers partly sunny conditions, with protection from strong afternoon sun. It likes rich, well-draining soil that's kept consistently moist.

Yacon is an ideal food for people who suffer from diabetes and those who want to lose weight. They are known to be rich in dietary fiber and low in calories. Yacon tubers and leaves have high levels of fructo-oligosaccharide which is a type of sugar that cannot be recognized by the digestive system making them low in calories as a result. Fructo-oligosaccharide can aid in digestion and feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut which can play an important role in lowering the risk of diabetes. The bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that have powerful anti-obesity effects when digested. Yacon contains a type of polyphenol called chlorogenic acid which has a strong antioxidant effect that is more than that of even red wine. Yacon tubers are rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium which can help people who suffer from high-blood pressure.

The Yacon tubers can be enjoyed raw or cooked, leaves can be used to make an herb tea that is used as a medicine and Yacon syrup can be used as a substitution for sugar in baked goods. Because Yacon tubers are sweet, juicy and crisp, they are perfect for use in salads. In addition, they can be grilled, fried, baked, sauteed and marinated. Use in curry, stir-fries, soups, fried dishes and juices. Choose ones that are slim without scratches on the surface and avoid those with shriveled cuts. For storing, wrap them in a newspaper and store in a cool dark place for up to ten days.

In addition to a food source, Yacon have Yacon used as a medicine by many cultures for hundreds years. Big Yacon leaves are used to wrap food during cooking in South America. The name, Yacon means "watery root" in Spanish.

Sobralia sp.

The plants are more commonly terrestrial, but are also found growing epiphytically, in wet forests from sea level to about 8,800 ft.

Socratea exorrhiza

Probably the most famous of the stilt rooted palms, with the roots coming from up to 2m (6 feet) from the ground. The roots have small, white, conical spines.

Solandra grandiflora

Other species occur in the West Indies. Striking vine with glossy leaves and large showy white to yellow flowers. You can plant container plants at any time, but October is ideal, since it is a time of rapid growth. Plant near a wall, and water well. Use a slow release fertilizer in the fall. The 6-8 inch flowers are chalice shaped. They have a yellow corolla , with 5 purple lines. They bloom usually from February until May. Thick stemmed tropical liana with large shiny leaves and large bell shaped golden yellow flowers. The thick and woody ropelike stems branch frequently and root at their nodes, and can run for more than 30-40 ft. (9-12 m), clinging with aerial rootlets and scrambling over everything in the way. The evergreen leaves are leathery, about 6" long and elliptic, with prominent lighter colored midribs and lateral veins. They are fragrant, especially at night, with a scent reminiscent of coconut. Cup of gold blooms intermittently through the year, but mainly in the winter dry season. The fruits, rarely seen in cultivation, are round berries, about 2" in diameter. There are eight species of chalice vines, and they often are confused in the trade. Solandra maxima is the most common species in cultivation and vines offered as S. guttata and S. grandiflora may in fact be this one. The differences are subtle. Cup of gold is a fast growing vine that thrives in most any well-drained soil. It tolerates severe pruning and blooms on new growth, so it can be cut back at any time of year. This is a heavy vine, and it requires a very sturdy support. Let the vine grow for a while, producing vigorous new shoots, then withhold water until the leaves begin to wilt. Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 11. Propagation: Cup of gold usually is propagated from stem cuttings taken in summer and rooted with bottom heat. Usage Cup of gold is often grown on large pergolas or trellises, or trained to grow up the side of a house where the spectacular flowers can spill down the walls over windows and doorways. Tolerant of salt spray and salty soils, all the chalice vines are excellent for seaside gardens. This is a large, rampant grower which requires plenty of space and a strong support. The chalice vines are related to the angel trumpets (Datura spp. and Brugmansia spp.), and like them, have hallucinogenic properties. They are used in sacred ceremonies in Mexico.

Poisonous parts: leaves and flowers.

See Article about this plant.