Tokoro Wild Yam (Dioscorea tokoro)

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

Dioscorea tokoro is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER. 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

Tuber - cooked. It should be soaked or boiled in lye before use since it is said to be poisonous raw. — It should be soaked or boiled in lye before use since it is said to be poisonous raw.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets in lowland and foothills all over Japan. Mixed forests, bamboo forests, usually along ravine sides from near sea level to 1,000 metres in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)