Cush Cush Yam, Sweet yam

Dioscorea trifida

Physical Characteristics

Dioscorea trifida 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 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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

Northern S. America - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Guatemala; eastern Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[ 300 ]. Boiled or baked, some forms have an excellent flavour[ 300 ]. The cooked flesh is smooth in texture, attractive and of an unusually rich flavour that is readily appreciated and sufficiently moist in the mouth[ 301 ]. Roots are about 15 - 20cm long and 6 - 8cm in diameter[ 300 ]. The tuber is about 38% waxy starch that lacks amylose and has potential uses as a binder and thickener in food processing.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known