Water yam
Dioscorea pierrei
Family: Dioscoreaceae
What it is like
A yam. It is a vine. It can grow 15 m long. It has scattered prickles. There is one tuber and it can be 30-35 cm long and 8 cm across. The stems twine to the left. The leaves are alternate and have 3-5 leaflets. The flowers hang down. The fruit capsule is 14-25 mm long by 9-13 mm wide.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It can grow on sandstone and limestone. It grows in forests between sea level and 250 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The tubers are watery. They can be cooked and eaten or used for drinks in the forest.
Edible parts
Tuber, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Man nam