Lesser Yam, Potato Yam, Chinese Yam, Wild Yam

Dioscorea esculenta

Physical Characteristics

Dioscorea esculenta is an evergreen Perennial Climber growing to 3 m (9ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Wind, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked and used as a vegetable[ 300 ]. Sweet and pleasant, with a flavour somewhat like sweet potato or chestnuts[ 301 ]. The tubers are oval, up to 20cm long and 6 - 8cm in diameter. Each plant can produce 5 - 20 tubers. The flesh is yellow or white and the average tuber weight may be 250 - 1,000g, though larger ones can weight 3,000g[ 300 , 418 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Edible species of Dioscorea have opposite leaves whilst poisonous species have alternate leaves[ 174 ].(Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)