Dioscorea membranacea
Family: Dioscoreaceae
What it is like
A yam. The vine climbs 10 m tall. The rhizome is 4-8 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. It is branching and spreading. The vine twines to the left. The leaves have a 3-5 pointed lobes. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf stalks are 2-13 cm long.
It is used as an anticancer plant.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
It is a famine food and a medicine.
Edible parts
Tuber, root, rhizome
How it is grown
Sections of the rhizome 10-16 cm long are used.
Its other names
Local names
Chatong, Hua-khao-yen