Dioscorea rupicola
Family: Dioscoreaceae
What it is like
A yam. It is a vine. The vine ca be 8 m long. The flowers are brownish-green. The tuber can be 80 cm across and 3 m long.
It contains cortisone that are used to manufacture steroids.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It needs a rich, well-drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia
How it is used for food
Caution: The tubers are poisonous unless properly prepared. The tubers are boiled for 12 hours until the bark slips off.
A famine food.
Edible parts
Tubers, root, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Inkwa, Lunyawolwendlovu, Susula, Senlila