No images found for this plant ID: 14567.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "14567" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
bitter yam
Scientific Name: Dioscorea dumetorum
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
African Bitter Yam (Dioscorea dumetorum)
The African Bitter Yam, scientifically known as Dioscorea dumetorum, is a fascinating root crop with a complex history and diverse uses. It's important to note that while this plant has edible applications, preparation methods are crucial.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the bitter yam can be poisonous in its raw state.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions the bitter yam can be poisonous in its raw state.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Dioscorea dumetorum
- Common Names: African Bitter Yam, Cluster Yam, Esuri Yam, Three-leaved Yam, Trifoliate Yam
- Synonyms: Helmia dumetorum
- Other Names: Igname Amre, Igname Sauvage, Igname Trifoliole, Ikamba, Inhame-bravo, Name Amargo, Name de Tres Hojas, ame Amargo, Ono.
- Family: Dioscoreaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Other classifications: Liliopsida:Liliidae:Dioscoreales:Dioscoreaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to West Africa.
- Also found in the coastal regions of the Kimberley in north west Western Australia to the Cobg Peninsula in the Northern Territory.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Can grow up to 6 meters (20 ft) or more in length.
- Fleshy tuber
- Trifoliate (three-leaved)
Traditional Uses and Preparation
- Traditionally eaten with palm oil in some regions.
- The tuber must be peeled and cooked to remove bitter proteins.
- Soaking in water prior to drying and milling can affect its properties.
- Bitter yams are usually not edible but can be eaten when there is food scarcity. They are soaked in salty water.
Ecological Role
- In Florida, aerial yam and potato yam (varieties of bitter yam) are considered aggressive, twining vines.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Some studies suggest that Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) contains bioactive components that may increase oxidative stress.
- Supplementation of the diet with bitter yam sapogenin extract significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in diabetic groups.
Further Information
- Ecocrop database.
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) for Dioscorea polygonoides.
- University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN Staff profile Processing, Analysis and Utilization of Bitter Yam Fl.