Sticky yam, Glutinous yam
Dioscorea hemsleyi

Family: Dioscoreaceae

What it is like

A yam. It is deeply rooted hairy climber. The stem turns anti-clockwise. There are 1-4 root tubers. They are 20-40 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. The outside is yellowish-red and white and sticky inside. The leaves are oval or heart shaped with hairs underneath. The flowers are purple red.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the mountains in southern China. It grows between 200-2,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The starch from the tubers is used in pastry.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Tuber - starch, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Nian shan yao

Synonyms

Dioscorea mairei H. Lev.; Dioscorea praecox Prain & Burkill;