Yam (Dioscorea deltoidea)

Family: Dioscoreaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Dioscorea deltoidea is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it is usually boiled with some wood ash in order to remove the bitterness. — A slightly bitter flavour, it is usually boiled with some wood ash in order to remove the bitterness.; Some caution is advised.; See notes below on other uses of the root and above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and humus-rich soils, 1700 - 2800 metres in Kashmir. Broad-leaved forests and scrub forests at elevations of 2000 - 3100 metres in western China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)