Air potato

Dioscorea bulbifera

The air potato belongs to the yam family, which has a wide distribution throughout the warm, humid tropics worldwide. It is a climbing plant with long, slender shoots and underground tubers, which are edible when cooked and can weigh up to 50 kilograms.

Depending on the species, the tubers vary greatly in shape and may be spherical, elongated or branched.

The tubers of the ‘air potatoes’ on display at Zoo Zurich are edible when cooked. Yam is an important staple food, particularly in Africa. The German and English name ‘yam’ originates from the West African language of the Mande people. There, the plant is called ‘Niam’. In areas where it is not utilised, the yam can become a pest. This is why measures are taken to control the plants in Florida. 

Distribution

Africa, South Asia, South America and the Caribbean

Number of related species

around 600 worldwide, of which 13 species are of economic importance

Use

an important staple food; the roots are boiled, baked or deep-fried; the flour is used to make dough or porridge

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest
Distribution

Africa, South Asia, South America and the Caribbean

Number of related species

around 600 worldwide, of which 13 species are of economic importance

Use

an important staple food; the roots are boiled, baked or deep-fried; the flour is used to make dough or porridge

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest
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