Spear-leaved yam, Tarur
Dioscorea belophylla

Family: Dioscoreaceae

What it is like

A yam. It has small tubers. The stems twine anticlockwise. The leaves are usually opposite and simple. They are 8-13 cm long and 2-9 cm wide. They vary in shape. The leaf stalk is 6.5 cm long. The male flower spikes are 3-4 cm long and occur as 1 or 2 together in the axils of leaves. The female flower spikes are 6-12 cm long and often occur singly. The fruit capsules are 3 cm long and 3 cm wide.

There are about 650 species of Dioscorea.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Pakistan it grows in the foothills and up to 1,400 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, NW India, Pakistan, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The tubers are eaten after repeated boiling, washing, and baking. They are cut into small pieces for this process. The bitterness is removed when boiled with ash They are also recorded as being eaten raw.

The tubers are popular and sold in markets.

Edible parts

Tubers, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ban goi, Ban tarul, BHat kanda, Duru kanda, Eghen tabon, Hra-kai, Huvi, Jangli matol, Kandar, Kaniha kand, Karu-kand, Kadu-karand, Nand-kand, Navane genasu, Pete sanga, Ruiding, Taid, Tarar, Tarar bail, Tor, Tori, Tunga-alu, Turad, Turkhur, Zamin-kand

Synonyms

Dioscorea glabra auct. non Roxb.; Dioscorea nummularia var. belophylla Prain;