Dioscorea japonica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dioscorea japonica
Scientific classification
Genus:	Dioscorea
Species:	japonica

The East Asian mountain yam (also called yamaimo or Japanese mountain yam) is a special kind of yam. Its scientific name is Dioscorea japonica. This plant grows naturally in countries like Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and parts of India (Assam).

People often use Dioscorea japonica as a food. A related type, called Jinenjo (or wild yam), is a Japanese yam. It is sometimes used to make soba noodles, which are a popular type of Japanese noodle.

Mugitoro gohan is a Japanese dish often made with yam.

What is the Japanese Mountain Yam Called?

In Japan, this yam is known as yamaimo (山芋). This means "mountain yam." Another type of Dioscorea japonica is called Jinenjo (自然薯), which means "wild yam." You can find Jinenjo growing wild in fields and mountains across Japan.

In China, Dioscorea japonica is called yě shānyào ({{lang|zh|野山藥}). This name means "wild Chinese yam" or just "wild yam." Another Chinese name for it is Rìběn shǔyù ({{lang|zh|日本薯蕷}), which means "Japanese yam."

In Korea, people call it cham ma (참마) or dang ma (당마).

What is Inside the Japanese Mountain Yam?

Dioscorea japonica contains special natural compounds. These include eudesmol and paeonol. These compounds are known to have antimutagenic properties. This means they can help protect cells from changes that might lead to problems.

Different Types of Japanese Mountain Yam

Scientists have identified a few different types, or varieties, of Dioscorea japonica. Four main varieties are recognized:

• Dioscorea japonica var. japonica: This type is found in Japan (including the Ryukyu and Bonin Islands), Korea, Taiwan, and many parts of China.
• Dioscorea japonica var. nagarum: This variety grows in Assam, a region in India.
• Dioscorea japonica var. oldhamii: You can find this type in parts of China (Guangdong, Guangxi) and Taiwan.
• Dioscorea japonica var. pilifera: This variety is found in several provinces of China, such as Anhui, Fujian, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang.

How is Japanese Mountain Yam Used?

Both the Japanese yam and the Chinese yam are popular ingredients in Japanese cooking. They are often used in similar ways in many dishes and recipes.

See also

In Spanish: Ñame del Japón para niños