Dioscorea alata

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Dioscorea alata

Dioscorea alata, also known as the Purple Yam, Water Yam, or Greater Yam, is a species of yam (pronounced /yam/, from Portuguese inhame, ultimately from West African nyam, "to eat") that is native to Southeast Asia. It is one of the most widely distributed yam species, now cultivated throughout the tropics for its large, edible tubers.

Etymology

The genus name Dioscorea is derived from the ancient Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides. The specific epithet alata comes from Latin and means "winged", referring to the winged stems of the plant.

Description

Dioscorea alata is a fast-growing, twining vine, usually grown for the purpose of its edible tubers. The tubers are usually bright lavender in color, hence the common name "purple yam". The leaves are heart-shaped and the flowers are small and greenish-yellow.

Cultivation and uses

Dioscorea alata is cultivated for its large, edible tubers in many tropical and subtropical regions, including the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The tubers are used in a variety of dishes, including desserts, and are a major source of carbohydrates in these regions.

Related terms

  • Yam (vegetable): A common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea that produce edible tubers.
  • Dioscorea opposita: A species of yam commonly known as Chinese yam, cinnamon vine, or nagaimo.
  • Dioscorea bulbifera: The air potato, another species of yam in the Dioscorea genus.

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