Wild elephant foot yam

The scientific name of Wild elephant foot yam: is Amorphophallus sylvaticus

Name of Wild elephant foot yam in different languages:-

Sanskrit: Vajrakanta,Vanasoorana, Kanana kanda

Hindi: Vansooran, Bansooran

Malayalam: Kattuchena കാട്ടുചേന.

Plant description:

Wild yam is a perennial herb commonly in tropical areas, Western Ghats, or semi-evergreen forests, It is a flowering plant and fruits in the May-August period, the single stem is an erect, brown stem with white dots, grows up to 2 feet in height, with a glossy green leaf, peduncle elongates to 55 cm, fruits are deep yellow to orange. yam found in deep soil, weighing up to 1 kg, hairy, and touching may cause itching.

Characteristics:

• Tuber: The plant’s most notable feature is its large, tuberous underground stem, which can weigh several kilograms. It resembles an elephant’s foot, hence the name.

Culinary Use:

• Edible: The tuber of the wild elephant foot yam is edible and is used in various culinary preparations, particularly in South Asian cuisines. It is known for its starchy texture and mild, nutty flavor.

Traditional Medicine:

• Medicinal Properties: In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, the wild elephant foot yam is believed to have various potential health benefits. It is often used for its purported anti-inflammatory, digestive, and aphrodisiac properties.
• Preparations: It is used in various formulations and preparations, and different parts of the plant, including the tuber, are used for different therapeutic purposes.

Cultural Significance:

• Cultural Importance: The wild elephant foot yam has cultural and culinary significance in many regions where it is cultivated. It is used in traditional dishes and is often a part of festive and special occasion meals.

Harvesting and Preparation:

• Harvesting: The tubers are typically harvested when mature, and they are then cleaned, peeled, and cooked in various ways. In some cultures, they are also sun-dried and ground into flour for later use.

Caution:

• Oxalates: Like many root vegetables, the wild elephant foot yam contains oxalates. People with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones may need to limit their consumption.

Conservation:

• Sustainability: Due to its popularity and demand, there have been efforts to promote sustainable cultivation practices for wild elephant foot yams to prevent over-harvesting and protect natural populations.

Useful plant parts:

Rhizome

Leaf Arrangement

Medicinal uses:

Wild yam is used to treat Vata, Kapha disorders, omitting, cough, and sexual weakness.

Flower of Wild Elephant Foot Yam

Wild elephant foot yam is used as an ingredient in:

• Suran Vatak 
• Pylend Tablets
• Bahushala Guda