Doyala yam
Dioscorea tomentosa

Family: Dioscoreaceae

What it is like

A yam. The vine twines to the left. The leaves have a grey covering. The leaves are alternate. The upper leaves have 3 leaflets and the lower leaves often 5-6 leaflets. The flowers are purple and in spikes in the axils of leaves. The fruit are winged capsules. They have 3 seeds.

There are about 650 species of Dioscorea.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edge of the forests in the Nilgiri hills. It can be up to 1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The tuber is cut in pieces, then washed in running water for 3 days then boiled and eaten. It is steamed or roasted. They are also used in curries. Caution:

Edible parts

Leaves, tubers, root, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adavi kiska, Duri sanga, Kyway-pin, Nalaveli kizhangu, Noolvalli, Noorai, Nurai, Rebayan sanga

Synonyms

Helmia tomentosa (Koenig ex Spreng.) Kunth;