It has spines and it can climb up to about 2.4 m high and spread up to 1.8 m across. The leaves are often heart-shaped It is often cultivated as root crop in tropical areas in East Asia. Though some varieties can be poisonous, most are edible. The tuber has a yellow or white flesh.
Are yams poisonous?
Naturally occurring plant proteins found in yams can be toxic and cause illness if consumed raw. Peeling and cooking yams thoroughly will remove any harmful substances ( 17 ). Summary: Sweet potatoes contain oxalates that can increase the risk of kidney stones.
What is the botanical name of lesser yam?
Dioscorea esculentaДиоскорея съедобная / Научное название
What are the two types of yams?
Two types of yams dominate the West Africa starchy vegetable group — the white guinea yam (D. rotundata) and the yellow guinea yam (D. cayenensis). Both are large, weighing about 4 to 6 pounds.
How many types of yam do we have?
Some 870 species of yams are known, and 95% of these crops are grown in Africa.