Hodo

Hodo, known scientifically as Apios fortunei, is a perennial plant native to regions of China and East Asia including North-Central, South-Central, and Southeastern China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. This vine-like legume thrives in moist, light (sandy) or medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range. Hodo is valued for its edible roots, which can be harvested and enjoyed as a nutritious addition to the diet. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting other plants while providing sustenance itself.