Dioscorea fordii

Family: Dioscoreaceae

What it is like

A yam. The tubers are vertical and cylinder shaped. The stems twine to the right. They are prickly at the base. The leaves are alternate near the base and opposite higher up. They are simple and oval and 4-14 cm long by 2-8 cm wide.

There are about 650 species of Dioscorea.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forests and along rivers from near sea level to 1,200 m above sea level in China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China

How it is used for food

The root tuber is cooked and eaten.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Le lan gun, Man nei, Me ka

Synonyms

Dioscorea hainanensis Prain & Burkill;