Spear-leaved dioscorea
Dioscorea hastifolia
Family: Dioscoreaceae
What it is like
A yam. A scrambling or twining shrub. It has a slender vine and a tuberous root. Plants die back and re-grow from this tuberous root. The plant can grow to 2 m high. The leaves vary a lot in shape and size. They can be 8 cm long but are more often 2-3.5 cm long by 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The leaves have 3-5 prominent veins. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The male flowers are in spikes 1-3 cm long. The female plants produce winged fruit. These are about 2 cm long. The yams are cylindrical and 2-3 cm across.
There are about 650 species of Dioscorea. This one is almost 5 % protein.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in temperate and subtropical places. It grows in fertile soils. It needs a sunny situation and a well drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Central Africa, Congo, New Guinea
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Tubers, root
How it is grown
It is grown from shoots and the tips of the yam tubers. It can also be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Native yam, Southern yam, Warrain, Warrine