Three leaved yam is one of the types of yam found in Nigeria.
Some of the yams grown in Nigeria are;
- White yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
- Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayennensis)
- Water yam (Dioscorea Alata)
- Aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera)
Three leaved yam is not as common as the white and yellow yam which is a staple food in the country.
This yam also belongs to the Dioscorea family with botanical name Dioscorea dumetorum.
its also known by other names such as bitter yam, cluster yam, trifoliate yam.
It’s indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana being among the tropical West African countries where it is most prevalent.
In Nigeria its called by different name depending on the tribe,
It is known as ji ònà in Igbo language, èsúrú in Yoruba language, ánêm in Ibibio language, Kosanrogo in Hausa language and mbá in Duala language.
Take caution not to confuse wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), aerial or air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) with three leaved yam (Dioscorea dumetorum).
Sometimes, all three are referred to as bitter yams.
Description of Three Leaved Yam
Dioscorea dumetorum has distinctive trifoliate leaves, similar to the Indian three-leaf yam Dioscorea hispida.
There are three to seven veins per leaflet on each leaf.
The vine features distinctive twining to the left and prickles that are ridged and rising.
D. dumetorum climbs up shrubs to a maximum height of roughly 7 metres.
From the subterranean tubers, the vines develop every year.
Deeply lobed, D. dumetorum tubers grow in bunches close below the soil’s surface.
The bitter yam has brown flowers.
Whereas female flowers are grouped in spikes, male flowers are organized in intricate branched patterns.
The seeds are oblong-shaped, winged capsules.
Because of the high concentration of the alkaloids dihydrodioscorine and dioscorine, it is extremely dangerous in its wild form.
Nonetheless, West Africa has edible varieties that are not poisonous.
For instance, there are fifteen known non-toxic indigenous forms of D. dumetorum in Benin.
It has a fleshy, potato-like root called a tuber that is utilized as medicine or as sustenance during famines.
Nutritional Information of Three Leaved Yam
Proximate composition of 100 g three leaved yam.
| Ash | 2.17 – 7.79 % |
| Crude Protein | 0.19 – 10.3 % |
| Crude Fiber | 0.82 – 5.65 % |
| Crude Fat | 0.37 – 3.65 % |
| Starch | 17.0 – 63.34 % |
| Moisture | 64.3 – 90.2 % |
Mineral composition of three leaved yam mg/100g
| Potassium | 670 – 772 mg |
| Sodium | 72.5 – 77.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 269 – 286 mg |
| Calcium | 27.5 – 29.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 61.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.10 mg |
| Iron | 2.0 – 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 5.8 mg |
| Manganese | 2.5 – 2.65 mg |
Source: National Library of Medicine
Uses Of Three Leaved Yam
You can eat bitter yam raw, cooked, or boiling.
The tuber’s flour is used to produce porridge and unleavened bread.
The seeds are dried after going through a detoxifying process, but they can also be consumed.
It is often grown as a fallback crop in the event that other crops fail.
However, D. dumetorum’s frequent toxicity and propensity to harden after harvesting limit its regular use.
Nontoxic D. dumetorum variants are widespread.
These cultivars are used in subsistence farming in nations like Nigeria and Benin.
The tuber is high in starch and nutritional content,
The bitter yam species is still important to the local economy and culture, nevertheless.
Health Benefits
Although there’s not enough research to prove these, it is said to be helpful in treating
- Diabetes,
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
- Stomach pain (colic),
- Menstrual disorders,
- A disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomiasis.
Other benefits include:
- Improves brain function
- Alleviates Menopause symptoms
- Contains Anti-cancer properties
- Controls blood sugar level
- Lowers the rate of blood sugar absorption
- Aids in inflammation reduction
Side Effects
It is necessary to take caution in the method of consumption.
Three leaved yam that is wild and raw might be dangerous to consume or swallow as medication.
It has ingredients that have the potential to be toxic and convulsive.
Hope this article was helpful?
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